By Paul Garrod
Staff Writer
news4garrod@gmail.com
PORTER TWP.- A 10-year-old Mattawan Consolidated School student died from injuries he received Thursday, Nov. 13, when he was struck by a vehicle near a school bus stop, according to a press release from the VanBuren County Sheriff’s Office.
Van Buren County Sheriff Daniel Abbott said Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to a report of a car versus pedestrian crash at approximately 8:12 a.m. in the 72000 block of 22nd Street in Porter Township.
Upon arrival, Lawton Quick Response, Van Buren Emergency Medical Services (EMS), and Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office deputies immediately started providing medical aid to the 10-year-old child who had been struck near a school bus stop.
Sheriff Abbott said the initial investigation revealed that a Mattawan Consolidated School bus had been traveling northbound on 22nd Street preparing to stop for a student when the incident occurred. The driver of a white SUV, a 38-year-old female, reported that she struck the child, who had been crossing the roadway after checking a family mailbox. The driver immediately called 911 following the collision.
The child was treated at the scene by emergency personnel and then transported to Bronson Hospital for further medical care.
The Van Buren County Accident Reconstruction Unit responded to conduct a detailed investigation. The incident remains under investigation by the Van Buren County Sheriff’s Office.
Mattawan Consolidated School District Superintendent Randy Fleenor released a prepared statement later that day which read: “Dear Families and Community, It is with great sorrow that we share an update regarding this morning’s accident.
“Despite the efforts of first responders and medical professionals, the Later Elementary student involved in the incident has passed away. We extend our deepest and most sincere condolences to one of our own Wildcat families during this unimaginable and heartbreaking time.
“The district has assembled its crisis team to determine next steps in providing ongoing support to our school community. Additional counseling and support services will be available for students and staff as we navigate the days ahead.
“We ask you to keep this family, and all who are impacted, in your thoughts during this profoundly difficult time.”
