JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A boy who turned 15 Wednesday was struck and killed by an SUV Thursday morning while walking to a bus stop in East Arlington, authorities said.
Raiden Kelly was walking west on Matthew Ungar Drive near North Kernan Boulevard about 6:30 a.m. when he was hit from behind by a Hyundai SUV, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.
"He was walking along the road's edge. We are trying to determine if he was actually in the road or in the grassy part of the roadway," JSO Sgt. Donald Washington said.
Kelly was taken to UF Health, where he died, police said.
The 25-year-old driver of the SUV and his passenger were not injured and are cooperating with police.
"It was dark (with) no streetlights in the roadway," Washington said. "There is a sidewalk available, so we're trying to determine why he wasn't using the sidewalks."
The East Arlington neighborhood was having a hard time dealing with the boy's death.
"You couldn't want a better child for a son. Very nice young man," Amess Johnson said. "They are a beautiful, Christian family. Beautiful. Very pleasant."
Neighbors said it was only a matter of time before such a tragedy happened.
“Basically the kids are walking in the street every morning and its pitch black out. The reason they’re walking in the street is because the other teenagers that come through here and root up the area with their trucks and ATV, so these kids have to walk through ankle-deep mud to even get to the sidewalk,” said neighbor Justin, who declined to give his last name.
Residents in the area told News4Jax that they're concerned that there are no lights in the area and that they have been asking the city to add some for years.
"Why didn't somebody listen? Our hearts are breaking for this family. I hear they have a newborn baby, also. Some of the neighbors just told me that. He lives right here in the neighborhood. It's just, 15 years old is so young. I have a lump (in my throat) and I don't even know the child. Something has to be done here," Elaine Anwander said.
Gil Smith, News4Jax crime and safety analyst, said there's a half-mile stretch with no lights on either side of the street. He said it's a good idea for parents to make sure their children are safe when walking.
"Parents need to walk that route with their kids to make sure they're taking a safe route. We're in April now, they may assume everything is OK, there have been no problems. But with (daylight saving time), it's darker. So take that path with them again," Smith said.
The city and JEA are looking into whether the section of road is safe.
“There’s certain limits to liability and a certain immunity that the city of Jacksonville and JEA will have, but if they were aware that there were lighting issues at this location, and still they were not taking the proper steps, then they could potentially have liability,” attorney Gene Nichols said.
Duval County Public Schools released the following statement:
It’s with deep sadness and heartache that we learned of the untimely passing of one or our students Thursday morning. On behalf of the superintendent, the School Board and the entire school community, we want to send our thoughts and prayers to the family and loved ones of the student. Grief counselors are present at the school to provide support to students, faculty and staff. We ask that members of the media please respect the privacy of the family and the school community during this period of grieving."
Raiden's funeral will be April 13 at 6:30 p.m at the Church of Eleven22 on Beach Boulevard. The public is invited as well as his classmates. Youth pastors will be available for students.
There will be a celebration of life service on Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at 6:30 pm at the Church of Eleven22 located at 14286 Beach Boulevard, Suite 2. The public is welcome to attend. There will be pastors available for prayer, and food will also be offered.