KANSAS CITY, Mo. — An eight-year-old is dead, and a six-year-old is now in stable condition, after both were hit by a van near their neighborhood.
Police say around 5:30 p.m. on Saturday evening two young boys, who were riding on a skateboard, were struck by a van at N.E. Winn and North Bellefontaine, north of the river.
As a result eight-year-old Jordan Hale, who was riding the skateboard downhill when he was hit, was pronounced dead at the scene. Neighbors who witnessed the accident covered his body with a coat after they had ran to check on him.
“You try to grasp what hope you have left. What faith you have left in a higher power. You try to keep breathing,” said Shay Celedon in regard to Hale’s death.
The other child, six-year-old Jesus “Chewy” Gutiérrez, was rushed to an area hospital with critical injuries, including head trauma. He was taken in for emergency surgery on Saturday. Family members said he was in stable condition on Sunday.
Some area residents are angered by the accident, saying the street should have a sidewalk which may have kept the kids from going on to the road.
The woman who was driving the van did stop at the scene and is cooperating with police. They do not believe alcohol was a factor in this incident. Police said no charges will be filed against the driver at this time, but said they cannot rule out future charges pending investigation.
Hale’s family is organizing a vigil for later this week.
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