WALLER, Texas – A student has died after being hit by a car near Waller High School.
According to authorities, the crash happened around 8:30 a.m. Thursday on Field Store Road just north of Highway 290.
The Harris County Sheriff's Office shared a tweet confirming a 15-year-old boy was struck by a vehicle.
Deputies said the student was transported to a hospital, where he later died.
He was a special needs sophomore, officials said.
Authorities said the driver, who was only identified as an employee of the Waller Independent School District, remained at the scene and is cooperating with authorities.
Sarah Marcus, with Waller ISD, said it was a difficult day for everyone on campus.
She said the employee involved in the incident was devastated about the accident.
"He is obviously distraught and heartbroken over what has happened, and, like I said earlier, Waller ISD is a family and this has struck on many fronts," Marcus said. "We have a lot of healing to do."
The Waller Independent School District superintendent released a statement when the crash happened:
"With deepest sadness, I need to inform you all that we tragically lost the Waller High School student who was struck by a vehicle near WHS this morning. The loss of a student, for any reason, is heartbreaking. Traffic in the area will be affected during the investigation. While details of the accident are still unclear, I know we will continue to bond together as a WISD family. Please continue to keep your thoughts and support with all those involved. There are additional counselors and support staff available for anyone who needs help processing this tragedy."
There will be grief counselors at the high school.
Authorities said the teen darted across the road and the crash was an accident.
"The kid basically just darted from one side to the other, right in front of him," authorities said. "All the witnesses are saying the exact same thing."
According to the Harris County District Attorney's Office, the case will go before a grand jury, as other vehicular fatality cases do.
