GRAND ISLAND, N.Y. (WKBW) — A Grand Island student has died after being hit by a car on South Parkway near Broadway.
School leaders identified the victim as Leah Mayer Thursday afternoon in a Facebook post:
With the permission of her family, I am writing to share the name of the precious student we tragically lost in yesterday’s accident. We mourn the loss of Leah Mayer, a beautiful soul who touched the lives of many in our community. Her parents, Amy and Adam, are heartbroken, as we all are, and have asked that we remember Leah for the incredible light she brought to those around her.
Leah was selfless, a loyal friend, and a constant source of positivity. Her energy seemed to glow from within, and she was known as a “voice” for others, always ready to stand up and support those around her. Her presence will be missed dearly, but her spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her.
As we come together to support one another during this time, I want to caution our community regarding any solicitations for funds that may appear on social media. To date, the family has not created or endorsed a “GoFundMe” page, so please be cautious of any such requests that have not been verified by the family. If Leah’s family does endorse a system to generate donations, I will communicate that to everyone in our community.
Grief support services will continue tomorrow at both our middle and high school campuses. These services are available for any students, faculty, and staff who may benefit from them. Our school counselors, social workers, school psychologists and administrators are here to provide the support and care needed during this difficult time.
Please continue to keep Leah and her family in your thoughts and prayers, and thank you for your ongoing compassion and strength.
The Grand Island School District first shared the news on Facebook late Wednesday night, saying its hearts go out to the 8th grader's family and friends.
Beginning Thursday, the school district will have grief counselors and support services for students and staff at William Kaegebein Elementary School, the middle school, and the high school.
The Superintendent of the Grand Island School District told 7 News that students processed their grief by decorating Leah's locker and writing her and her family letters.
The school district says its top priorities are the safety, well-being and emotional support of its students and staff. It's also asking for patience as it works to support the student's family.
Several long-time residents of this neighborhood, including Leo Ricci and Patti Graf tell 7 News the South Parkway and Broadway intersection has been a problem for years.
During non-school hours, the speed limit is 45 miles per hour.
Despite there being a crosswalk, there’s no full stoplight that tells pedestrians when to safely cross, just a flashing yellow light on South Parkway and flashing red on Broadway.
Anybody crossing the four-lane road, and it’s three turning lanes, must make the decision on when it’s safe to cross themselves.
“It should have a signal there,” Graf said.
Ricci and Graf tell 7 News it gets even harder at night, the same time frame when Leah struck by a vehicle.
“People leave at dusk, you know what happens then, there’s no [street] lights and they go flying down there, somebody is on a bicycle or walking or something and they don’t see them,” Ricci said. “I would think that certainly at the intersections they need to have [street] lights.”
About a quarter mile up South Parkway is a pedestrian bridge that goes over the road, but Graf questions how often it’s actually used.
“I don’t really know how much that pedestrian bridge gets utilized, I’d think that would probably need to be studied, I see more people just crossing the road,” Graf said.
Following this tragedy, other community members have started an online petition to add a full stoplight to this intersection. It has been signed more than 500 times in under 24 hours.
