Atlantic Coast High School. | Facebook
Published on January 17, 2025 at 4:33 pm
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An Atlantic Coast High School student died after she was hit by a car Friday morning while crossing the road to a school bus stop.
The male driver was headed south on Old Kings Road South as the girl walked to a bus stop near Habana Avenue. He helped the girl, then took her to a hospital before calling police.
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Neither the girl nor driver were identified. Police said it did not appear the driver was speeding or impaired.
Atlantic Coast High School Principal Michael George alerted parents in a message Friday afternoon.
“As a school community, we are brokenhearted by this tragic passing, and our heartfelt condolences go out to the family, friends, and our entire Stingray community during this incredibly difficult time,” George wrote. “Your child may be affected, even if they did not personally know the student. To assist our students and staff, specially-trained counselors and social workers are available on campus. ”
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District 7 School Board rep Melody Bolduc said, as a district, “our heart is broken. My heart is broken.”
Atlantic Coast High School is in her district. She said district officials are asking all drivers to be “extra vigilant” as they watch for students making their way to and from school.
“They are kids. They are goofy, they are playing, and they’re on the side of the road,” Bolduc said. “They’re not thinking about consequences.”
The School Board has talked on several occasions recently about the need to work together with the city to improve pedestrian safety.
With school closings and consolidations scheduled for the coming school year, many of the district’s youngest children will have longer walks to school. And recent discussions about state-mandated changes to school start times could put students at their bus stops while it’s still dark.
A district spokesperson told Jacksonville Today on Friday that Duval Schools is launching a pedestrian and cyclist safety campaign next week to help children stay safer as they walk to and from schools.
The girl’s death was the seventh traffic fatality this year, police said.
