PALM BAY, Fla. – A 10-year-old boy riding his bike home from school on Wednesday afternoon was fatally struck by a vehicle in Brevard County, police said.
The crash was reported around 1:45 p.m. on Eldron Boulevard at Bayside Lakes Boulevard in Palm Bay.
Police said the fourth-grader was in a crosswalk near the Beef O'Brady’s when he was struck. According to police, the boy thought the driver of a truck saw him, but the vehicle made a right turn and hit him.
Michael Walker said he was down the street when he heard the commotion, just moments after the boy was hit.
"I was sitting there praying for him. (I) heard some guy say he wasn't going to make it," Walker said.
The crash took place only about a block away from Odyssey Charter Elementary School, where the boy attended fourth grade.
Walker said the driver of the black pickup was visibly upset after the crash.
"He was sorry that it happened, you know, especially a little kid. He was taking it pretty hard," Walker said.
Palm Bay police said the boy was wearing a helmet.
Several of the child's classmates watched on as other witnesses attempted to save the boy.
"They were traumatized. Some of them will probably carry that with them the rest of their life. They will always remember that," Walker said.
The boy was taken by ambulance to Palm Bay Hospital where he died, police said.
Palm Bay police said it is still too early to determine if the driver will face any penalties for the crash.