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– Photo courtesy of Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office
By Allison Scarbrough, News Editor
HESPERIA — A 12-year-old boy and a 6-year-old boy were hit by a van driven by a 26-year-old woman who “disregarded a crossing guard” at the Hesperia school campus Thursday morning, Oct. 30, shortly after 7:30 a.m., according to a press release from the Newaygo County Sheriff’s Office.
The two boys were transported to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital in Grand Rapids. The driver was not injured. The older boy was released, and the 6-year-old is in stable condition, according to the sheriff’s office.
The accident occurred at the middle school crosswalk, stated Hesperia Community Schools Superintendent Bryan Mey.
“We know that this was a scary event for our whole community, staff, and especially students,” stated Mey. “Due to the highly visible location of the event, many students either witnessed the aftermath or heard about it very quickly. As staff, we immediately mobilized our trauma response for counseling and support.”
“As the school year progresses, the safety of children at crosswalks remains a shared community responsibility,” states the sheriff’s office. “Motorists are urged to slow down in school zones, obey crossing guards, and remain alert for children and crossing guards.”
“Every child deserves to get to school and home safely,” said Hesperia School Resource Officer Deputy Vanderwall, who was first on scene. “By taking a few extra seconds to stop at crossings and staying attentive near schools, drivers can prevent serious accidents and save lives. Crosswalk safety is particularly important during busy morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up times, when traffic congestion and distractions are at their highest.”
“We will continue to work with the school and community groups to promote pedestrian safety and awareness through education and enforcement initiatives,” states the sheriff’s office. “The crash remains under investigation and will be forwarded to the prosecutor’s office when completed.”
The sheriff’s office was assisted by Hesperia Area Fire Department, Life EMS and Newaygo County Central Dispatch.
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