Pathfinder student struck by car while walking home

HAMBURG TWP. — A student at Pathfinder was struck by a vehicle shortly before 3 p.m Monday, Nov. 6 after leaving school for the day, school and police officials say.

Pathfinder is an intermediate school for grades 6-8 at Pinckney Community Schools. The child, an 11-year-old girl, was not identified.

"We are writing to inform you about an incident that occurred today during Pathfinder dismissal," school principal Lori Sandula wrote in the release.

"One of our students was involved in a pedestrian accident near McGregor Road. Your child's safety is our utmost priority, and we want to keep you updated on the situation."

Sandula said the student was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

The school is located on the west side of McGregor Road in Hamburg Township.

Livingston County Sheriff's Deputy Jeremy Gwinn told The Daily the student was walking home when she stepped out onto McGregor Road to cross. She was struck by a 2020 Buick Encore driven by a 50-year-old Pinckney woman, who was traveling northbound.

According to Gwinn, witnesses told police the student crossed in an area that doesn't have a crosswalk near the rear of the school entrance. Speed and alcohol do not appear to be factor in the crash.

The sixth grader was transported to the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor.

"First and foremost, we want to assure you that our student is receiving appropriate medical care, and their well-being is our primary concern," Sandula said. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family."

Staff will be available for emotional support in the coming days.

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"If your child is feeling distressed or needs someone to take to, please do not hesitate to contact us," Sandula said.

"We are also working closely with local law enforcement to ensure the area surrounding the school is safe for our students. We will continue to collaborate with them to implement safety measures and educate our students about responsible pedestrian behavior.

"Please join us in sending positive thoughts and well-wishes for this student, their family and their friends."

—Contact reporter Jennifer Eberbach at jeberbach@livingstondaily.com.

This article originally appeared on Livingston Daily: Pathfinder student struck by car while walking home