Port St. Lucie freshman was headed to Tradition High School.
PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. —
The family of the 14-year-old Treasure Coast High School student hit by a vehicle while he was walking to school has chosen to donate his organs, the Port St. Lucie Police Department said Sunday.
Chief Leo Niemczyk gave the update after disclosing on Friday that the unnamed boy died from injuries sustained in the crash Wednesday morning.
He was pronounced clinically deceased shortly after 4 p.m. Friday.
“Amid this unimaginable loss, the student’s family has made the heartfelt decision to donate his organs in hopes of helping others in need and keeping their beloved son’s memory alive,” the news release reads. “In the midst of their grief, their decision offers the possibility of hope and healing for other families and individuals whose lives may be changed through this extraordinary gift.”
Treasure Coast High School will also be providing grief counseling for students and staff, “providing support to those navigating the loss of their classmate and student.”
The release ended: “The Port St. Lucie Police Department extends its deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the student’s family, friends, classmates, loved ones, and the entire Treasure Coast High School community during this devastating time. We recognize that no words can ease the pain of losing a child, and our thoughts remain with everyone affected by this heartbreaking tragedy.”
The preliminary investigation revealed the freshman was walking northbound along Port St. Lucie Boulevard near the edge of the roadway when he was struck from behind by a 2002 Ford Excursion driven by a 72-year-old man.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the crash.
Investigators said the vehicle involved was a 2002 Ford Excursion. According to police, the driver initially believed he had struck a construction barrel and did not realize he had hit a person. The driver later made a U-turn at the next safe location, returned to the scene, activated his hazard lights and found the teenager unconscious on the side of the roadway. He then called 911.
The driver has remained cooperative with investigators, and police said they have not observed any apparent signs of impairment. Authorities noted that the assessment is preliminary and could change as the investigation continues.
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