A community is mourning after a 9-year-old boy was struck and killed by a car in the City of Green Friday, according to the Summit County Sheriff's Office.
Pastor J. Harlen Rife, the pastor at Greensburg United Methodist Church, posted on Facebook that his son died Friday following a "road incident."
The sheriff's office said that at about 4:30 p.m., the office and Green Fire Department responded to reports of a child who was hit by a car on Peachwood Way.
A 2025 Jeep Wrangler driven by an 81-year-old man was traveling on the road when a 9-year-old boy ran into the street and was struck, the sheriff's office said.
According to the sheriff's office, the boy was taken to Akron Children's Hospital by the Green Fire Department and later pronounced dead.
Many gathered Sunday evening to remember the 9-year-old boy.
"He's very outgoing, talkative, he's just this bright light. His sister is friends with my daughter, and anytime I'm interacting with him, he's chiming in with his stories. Just so happy and so excited and just loves life," said Alana Niemiec, assistant superintendent for Green Local Schools.
Green Mayor Yocco Yeargin released a statement Saturday regarding the situation:
"Our hearts are broken over the loss of this young life. No family should have to endure such a devastating tragedy. We stand with the family in their grief and ask our community to come together in support and compassion," Yeargin said.
The sheriff's office said speed and impairment do not appear to be a factor in the incident.
The crash remains under investigation, and charges are pending the outcome.
The family is asking that donations be made to Blessings in a Backpack in his honor.
