LITTLETON, Colo. — A Littleton middle school student was struck and killed by a vehicle while biking to school Tuesday morning.
The Littleton Police Department said the crash happened around 8:04 a.m. near the intersection of South Elati Street and West Arapahoe Drive.
Officers and first responders from South Metro Fire and Rescue responded quickly with life-saving measures, but the juvenile bicyclist died at the scene, according to a news release.
Euclid Middle School identified the victim as seventh grader Liam Stewart. He was a few blocks away from school when he was fatally struck.
“We treasure every member of our school community, and to lose a student is extremely difficult for all of us. Liam’s brothers attend school at Runyon Elementary. Our hearts are with the Runyon community," Euclid Middle School Principal Amanda Hurley said in a message to parents.
One of Liam's classmates, Jamison Cunningham, came to drop off flowers at the memorial for Liam Tuesday evening.
“He was very, like, intelligent. And he was just a good person overall," she said of Liam. “It's definitely going to feel different because he always sits in a seat with his friends and stuff. And then seeing it, he won't be there.”
Stewart's seventh grade classmates were notified of the tragedy at the beginning of 7th period by teachers and support staff, Hurley said.
“Students respond to grief and loss in their own way and in their own time, and each of us will be affected differently by what has happened, too. Please take some time to visit with your student today, and let us know if your student and/or you need additional support, 303-347-7810. We also have many resources on the district’s website you may also find helpful,” the principal said in the note.
Students will be in school Wednesday "as we feel it is important to keep our students together at school and keep them engaged with one another so that they can process what has happened together with their community." Counselors and administrators will be at Euclid and Runyon, according to Hurley.
The driver of the vehicle stayed on the scene and police. No charges have been filed at this time, but detectives are continuing their investigation.
“Any loss of life is difficult, but the loss of a child is heartbreaking. LPD is grieving with the family and friends of the child and with those impacted in our community,” Littleton police said in the release.
