A fourth-grade girl was hit and killed by an SUV in Port Orange Friday morning, authorities have sadly confirmed. The incident took place near Sugar Mill Elementary School, which is only days away from concluding its 2023-24 school year.
According to initial reports from the scene, the crash occurred at around 7:10 am near the front of the school, where the student was presumably on her way in to class. After being hit, she was transported to the Halifax Medical Center in Daytona Beach for emergency treatment. There, she was pronounced dead from her injuries. There are reports from the scene that a damaged bicycle was present near the place of the crash.
“There was an incident this morning outside of Sugar Mill Elementary’s campus that resulted in the injury of one of our 4th grade students," the Volusia County School District said in a statement released Friday morning. "The student was transported to the hospital in serious condition. Grief counselors are at the school this morning helping our staff and students cope with this news. We ask that everyone please keep our school community in your thoughts and prayers.”
The driver of the SUV that hit the girl is reportedly cooperating with law enforcement, and remained at the scene of the crash in the aftermath. The Port Orange Police Department is asking anyone who may have relevant information to the incident to contact them at (386) 506-5838.
"A heartbreaking loss for a family that got the worst news imaginable today," added Volusia Sheriff Mike Chiwood. "My sincere condolences and prayers are with them and the Sugar Mill Elementary student body and staff. Port Orange PD will conduct a thorough investigation to determine how this occurred, which will help identify any steps that could help prevent another tragedy in the future. Right now I ask everyone to say a prayer for strength for this grieving family."
The tragic killing of the young girl is the second such occurrence in Port Orange in just three days. On Wednesday, 37-year-old Joshua SeeSholtz was hit and killed by a vehicle on Nova Road. He died at the scene of the crash.
