PORT ST. LUCIE – The teenager struck by a car on Oct. 7 while walking to school at Port St. Lucie Boulevard and Southwest Squirrel Avenue has died of his injuries, Port St. Lucie Police confirmed Oct. 9.
The Treasure Coast High School freshman was walking north along Port St. Lucie Boulevard, near the edge of the road aligned with construction barrels in the area, police said in a news release.
The 14-year-old was struck from behind by a 2002 Ford Excursion driven by a 72-year-old man, police said.
The driver told police that he believed he hit a construction barrel and did not realize that he actually struck someone with his car. He made a U-turn at the next intersection, activated his hazard lights, and found the teenager unconscious on the side of the road, according to the release.
The driver then called 911 and has remained cooperative with investigators, according to police.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
“The Port St. Lucie Police Department extends its deepest condolences to the student’s family, friends, classmates, and all those affected by this heartbreaking loss. Our thoughts are with them during this incredibly difficult time,” the department said in the press release.