DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. -- Police have identified a 7-year-old boy who was struck and killed by a car Tuesday afternoon.
The boy, who we now know as William Townsend, was a student at Dunaire Elementary School. He was struck near the intersection of North Decatur Road and Rockbridge Road and taken to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta at Egleston Hospital but later died.
Police said it appeared the boy may have been walking home from school by himself when he attempted to cross four lanes of North Decatur Road outside of a crosswalk.
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Police said a driver came over a hill and did not see the boy until it was too late to stop. The driver remained at the scene and is not expected to face any charges in the case.
DeKalb County Schools Superintendent Dr. R. Stephen Green said it was an emotional time for students and staff.
"I think moments like this causes all of us to reflect," Green said. "What could we have done? Is there anything we can do? So, I cannot say we could review anything that we could’ve done."
The speed limit in the area is 40 mph. People who live in an apartment complex near the road said they were concerned about the busy road, and wondered what could be done to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Nebiila Lester lives at the Brentwood Apartment homes close to the scene where the boy was struck.
Although she didn't see what happened, she said her heart broke when she heard the news.
"I was crying because I’m sure people loved him," she explained. "His mother, his father, his family. And that’s a huge loss. I’ve three children myself."
Lester said she knew she had to do something.
"It was just in my heart to just go to the store on the way back home and get some candles," she said.
Now, a small memorial for Townsend sits in his honor.
"The community is holding [Townsend's family] in their prayers," Lester concluded.
