PEORIA, AZ — A child has died after being hit by a car in the Vistancia neighborhood in Peoria Thursday afternoon.
Police say the child was hit near the intersection of 125th Avenue and Gentle Rain Road, near the major cross streets of El Mirage Road and Vistancia Boulevard.
The child, only identified at this time as an 8-year-old boy, was taken to a hospital with life-threatening injuries where he later died.
Officials say that the child exited a vehicle while it was still in motion and he was hit by the same car as it was driving down the roadway.
Police have ruled out speed as a factor but say they are investigating possible impairment.
No arrests or citations have been made at this time.
Gentle Rain Road was closed between 125th and Skippers avenues for approximately five hours while the incident was under investigation.
The Peoria Unified School District sent a statement to ABC15 saying that the boy was a second-grade student at Vistancia Elementary School:
"It is with a heavy heart that I share an update to the message I sent after school today. The traffic accident that took place today involved one of our sweet second graders and he tragically passed away at the hospital. I was with the family tonight and have shared our school community's deepest condolences and offer of support as they process such a profound loss.
This devastating news will undoubtedly impact our tight-knit community. My primary focus is providing support to our students and staff as they process this loss. We will have members of our grief support team on campus tomorrow and they will be available to offer support to any students or staff in need.
In the wake of this loss, you may observe your child expressing some common symptoms of grief. These symptoms include fatigue, tears, changes in eating and sleeping patterns, or complaints of headaches and stomachaches. It's possible that other students may also feel anxious about their own well-being or concerned with the well-being of their family and friends. Encouraging open communication and providing reassurance is essential for children who are coping with loss.
Please continue to keep the family in your thoughts as they go through this difficult time."
