LAKE WORTH, Fla. — A 13-year-old boy was killed and a 12-year-old seriously injured after they crashed their bikes and were hit by a semi near Woodlands Middle School in Lake Worth on Thursday.
According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, the two students were traveling northbound on Lyons Road on the shoulder of the roadway when their bicycles crashed into each other. The collision caused the riders to overturn into the roadway, into and under, the rear of the semi.
As the crash continued, the rear passenger side tires of the trailer traveled over both bicyclists.
The sheriff's office said the driver of the semi stayed at the scene, was cooperative and did not contribute to the cause of this crash.
One of the students was taken as a trauma alert to a Delray Medical Center and the other was pronounced dead at the scene. The sheriff's office confirmed both students were 8th graders, and said the student who was taken to the hospital is expected to survive.
'Horrible': WPTV’s Zitlali Solache spoke with neighbors who live across from the crash site
“My sister mentioned that there was someone already over there officially under the blanket, unfortunately lifeless,” Bryanna Shelley said.
Neighbors noticed deputies, paramedics and even distraught loved ones rush to the scene.
“I feel really bad for the whole situation. I could not imagine,” Michael Deloris said.
WPTV on the scene of the accident on Lyons Road
WPTV received the message sent out to parents, from Woodlands Middle School Principal Jenifer Kuras:
Woodlands Middle School families,
It is with great sadness I inform you that one of our students has died following an off-campus incident. Another student involved in the incident is currently in the hospital. For confidentiality reasons and out of respect for the privacy of the families, I am not sharing the names of the students at this time.
I have been in touch with their families. On behalf of Woodlands Middle School, I have expressed our sincere condolences to the family of the student who has passed away. I will do what I can to provide support on behalf of our school community.
Parents, many students witnessed the incident today, and this may be the first time your child is experiencing the death of someone they know or someone within their community. It can impact each child differently. I ask us all to be mindful and approach any conversation about this with compassion and somber respect. Grief counseling, including school counselors and school psychologists, will be available on campus tomorrow for our students and staff to ensure they have the emotional support they may need to help them through this difficult time.
For additional emotional support, anyone can dial 2-1-1 to reach the 211 Helpline for Palm Beach and Treasure Coast. 211 is a confidential, community, and crisis hotline service providing immediate guidance and support at no-cost.
Families, monitor your child’s behavior for any signs of distress related to this. Please do not hesitate to refer any students to a counselor for help.
At Woodlands Middle School, we are a family. We celebrate our wins together and grieve our losses together.
