An eight-year-old girl who died after being struck by a car in Grand Rapids Tuesday evening was holding fresh fruit and her mother's hand just before the deadly accident.
The victim, identified as Nevaeh Alston, was struck while crossing Bridge Street NW about 9:15 p.m. She was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
"She was holding onto her mother's hand, and went to run across the street, and mom tried to grab her..." Brittany Paas, a cousin of the girl's mother, said in a message to 13 On Your Side. "Nevaeh got scared and thought she could make it across the street, and ran faster, then got hit."
Alston's uncle was waiting on the other side of the street. He said the car did not brake. Grand Rapids police say the driver was going the speed limit; drugs or alcohol were not a factor.
Paas said Alston, her mother and uncle were on their way to feed the homeless.
Police said the accident happened around 9:15 p.m. The girl was wearing a white tank top and gray leggings.
Investigators said Alston was running south towards Ah-Nab-Awen Park when she was struck by a vehicle traveling east on Bridge Street between Scribner Avenue and the Grand River bridge. Alston was unconscious when police arrived; she died at the hospital.
PHOTOS: Nevaeh Alston
Family members have started a GoFundMe page for her burial expenses. She was a student at Kent Hills Elementary School.
Kent Hills Principal Benjamin Rodgers sent the following letter home to parents:
May 9, 2018
Dear Kent Hills Elementary School Parent/Guardian(s):
I am writing to inform you of the passing of a Kent Hills student, Nevaeh Alston, who passed away yesterday following a pedestrian-car accident.
Nevaeh will be greatly missed. My deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences go to her family, friends, and the entire Kent Hills family.
We have assembled our crisis team to help students as they deal with this tragic loss. They are available to any students and staff who need them and will remain at school as long as they are needed. Please contact the school if you believe your child needs assistance.
Some signs that your child may be struggling include changes in appetite or sleep, inability to focus, constant crying, a desire to talk about death, or behavioral changes, such as aggression, anxiety, or being withdrawn. Our staff will also be watching for these signs and ensuring that students receive assistance, if needed. You can also help your student by letting them know you are available to listen to their feelings and reassuring them that what they are feeling is normal.
As always, I am available to talk to you about any questions or concerns you may have. I can be reached at 819-2727 or rodgersb@grps.org.
Sincerely,
Benjamin Rodgers
Principal
Anyone with information can contact the Grand Rapids Police Traffic Unit: Officer Andy Bingel at 616-456-3414 or Officer Frank Barthel 616-456-3938. Anonymous tips can be made to Silent Observer 616-774-2345.
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Emma Nicolas is a multimedia journalist. Have a news tip or question for Emma? Get in touch by email enicolas@wzzm13.com, Facebook or Twitter.