13 Year-Old Boy Killed in Traffic Collision

Whittier, CA. – An East Whittier Junior High School Student was struck and killed today while riding home from school. At 2:50pm, a thirteen-year-old boy (08/08/94) waited to cross the intersection of Painter Avenue at Lambert Road. While doing so, a large semi truck was traveling northbound on Painter Avenue and had just entered the intersection. With traffic stopped in front of the semi, the driver stopped while remaining in the intersection. Moments later the signal would turn red and the crosswalk signal activated for the child to cross. Without waiting for the truck to clear the crosswalk, the child began riding his bicycle and attempted to navigate the gap between the truck and another car. While doing so, the truck driver, not seeing the child, began moving and hit the bicycle. The child was then drug beneath the semi for approximately 40 feet before stopping. Whittier Police Officers arrived immediately and attempted to rescue the child who would be pronounced dead at the scene. Ultimately, the Los Angeles County Fire Department would use heavy machinery to remove the victim from beneath the truck.

At this time, the accident is under further investigation by traffic analysts and there are no signs of alcohol involvement on behalf of the truck driver.

Persons affected by this tragic loss are encouraged to contact the Student Services division of the East Whittier City School District if they wish to speak with a counselor. Counselors can be reached at (562) 907-9466.