LAKE WALES, Fla. — A 13-year-old boy died early Friday morning after he was hit by a truck while waiting for the school bus, according to Lake Wales Police.
Police said it happened around 6:15 a.m. on Dr. J.A. Wiltshire Avenue and Miami Street.
Police said the boy, identified as Jadin Galindo, was sitting near the center of the paved alleyway approximately 30 feet from Dr. J.A. Whiltshire Avenue when he was hit.
"It was dark and foggy. There were no street lights in the immediate area, only ambient light from nearby Florida's Natural plant," police said in a press release.
Galindo was hit by a 2013 GMC Sierra that was traveling east on Dr. J.A. Whiltshire Avenue. Police said the truck turned north into the alley where Galindo was hit.
Tiffany Randolph lives feet away from where the teen was hit. She believes this street is unsafe for school children.
“Cars come in and out speeding all the time. I asked for speed bumps. They feel like there weren't enough children on this street to get speed bumps,” said Randolph.
Randolph said she has complained to the city multiple times.
“They need to do something. Put signs up, put lights up. When I ask a question if we can get lights and stuff, well, if it’s not your property, then the city or the county has to do it,” said Randolph.
First responders rushed the teen to the hospital, where he died from his injuries.
Randolph wonders if more lights in the area could have led to a different outcome.
“It could’ve been prevented. It could’ve been prevented," she said.
The truck was driven by a 47-year-old woman from Bartow. Neither she nor her passenger, a 33-year-old woman also from Bartow, were injured. Neither speed nor impairment appear to be a factor at this time, police said.
"This investigation is active and ongoing. Our hearts break for all those involved and the loss of such a young man," police said in a release.
Galindo lived in Lake Wales and went to McLaughlin Middle School.
ABC Action News will push city leaders for answers about what changes can be made in the area to keep kids safe.
