Lakeland, FL : George Jenkins High student dies after being hit by car in Lakeland on Monday morning, May 2, 2016

A George Jenkins High School student died Monday morning after deputies say he was hit by a vehicle

while on his way to school.

The crash happened at 6:18 a.m. on Clubhouse Road near the intersection of Summerland Hills Drive and

Andros Boulevard.

Deputies say Kalen Kirk, 17, was running across Clubhouse to get to the bus stop on Andros Boulevard

when he was hit by an eastbound vehicle driven by a Polk County Sheriff's Office school crossing

guard supervisor.

Kalen was taken to Lakeland Regional Health Medical Center in critical condition. He died at the

hospital.

"He was outgoing, really funny. You had to get to know him to understand his humor," said Alicia

Munoz, a friend.

Hector Mayorga was the first person who came upon the accident.

"We had to stop the traffic," he said. "If I would have pulled the car over to the side of the road

the other cars would have smashed it."

Mayorga tried his best to help everybody, including the driver who was overcome with emotion.

Kalen is the son of Tony Kirk, the director of employee relations for the Polk County School

District. Kirk had originally moved to Lakeland about a year ago from Kansas to be an assistant

Lakeland Police chief but didn't end up taking the job.

Deputies say there is no crosswalk or school crossing at the intersection where Kalen was crossing

the road and that it was dark at the time of the crash. Investigators say it appears as though the

driver was unable to avoid hitting Kalen.

Both lanes of Clubhouse Road were closed while deputies investigated the scene. The roadways were all

reopened shortly after 11 a.m.

The following statement was released on behalf of Buddy Thomas, principal of George Jenkins High

School:

"We are deeply saddened to hear that one of our students, Kalen Kirk, was fatally struck by a vehicle

this morning on his way to school.

"George Jenkins High is like a large family, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Kalen’s family

members and loved ones during this difficult time.

"A crisis team is available for any students or staff members in need of counseling."
The investigation continues.

Source :
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