MECHANICSBURG, Pa. — A 13-year-old boy was killed while crossing the street in Cumberland County yesterday, the Hampden Township Police Department reported.
According to police, the boy was crossing with two other juveniles in the 6300 block of Carlisle Pike just after 7:50 p.m. when he was hit by an oncoming car.
The 13-year-old was pronounced dead at a local hospital, police said.
The Cumberland County Coroner identified the boy as Jaron J. Li, of Mechanicsburg.
The coroner says Li was dressed in dark clothing and riding a scooter when he and his group attempted to cross the road.
He died of multiple traumatic injuries and his death was ruled accidental, the coroner said.
Li was a student at Mountain View Middle School. The school encourages parents to reach out if they feel they need additional support from the district, a list of community resources or have any concerns regarding their child's reaction to the incident.
In part, a statement from the school reads:
The death of a child is always a sad and troubling event that can often have a profound effect on the student’s friends and classmates. It is extremely important for children to have an opportunity to talk through their feelings and reactions in an age appropriate manner. Over the next few days, we recommend that you encourage your child to talk about how they are feeling while you listen attentively to what they’re saying and watch their behaviors.
The Hampden Township Police Department is investigating the incident. They say the driver of the vehicle is fully cooperating.
Police ask anyone who witnessed the incident to contact them at 717-761-2609.