FCPS Student Killed In Fairfax City Crash As Reid Issues Safety Plea

FAIRFAX CITY, VA — A 13-year-old Fairfax County Public Schools student riding a bicycle was killed Wednesday afternoon after being struck by a large truck in Fairfax City, one of three incidents involving FCPS students and vehicles that prompted Superintendent Michelle Reid to issue a divisionwide plea for greater traffic safety.

Fairfax City Police responded just after 2:30 p.m. Wednesday to the 3900 block of Pickett Road for a crash involving the 13-year-old and a large truck. The student suffered life-threatening injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Preliminary information indicated the truck was leaving a shopping center when it struck the student, who was riding a bicycle, police said. A vehicle of interest and its driver were located nearby.

Fairfax City Police and the Fairfax County Police Department's Crash Reconstruction Unit are investigating the circumstances of the crash. Police said the investigation remains active and additional information will be released when appropriate.

Virginia law prohibits law enforcement agencies from directly or indirectly identifying juvenile victims who have died.

Three FCPS Students Involved In Crashes

In a letter sent Wednesday evening to FCPS families and staff, Reid said three students had been involved in separate accidents with vehicles during the day while riding bicycles or scooters.

"Tragically, one of these incidents resulted in the death of one of our middle school students," Reid wrote. "My heart is with the student’s family, friends, classmates, teachers, and the entire school community as we confront this heartbreaking loss."

It was not immediately clear which incidents Reid was referring to involving the other two students or where those crashes occurred.

RELATED: Crossing Guards Are Coming Back To 10 Fairfax County High Schools

Patch has reached out to Fairfax County Public Schools seeking additional information about the other two students and the circumstances of those incidents. This story will be updated as soon as more information becomes available.

Reid asked families and staff to reflect on the role they play in keeping students safe while traveling to and from school.

"Pause and think about the ways that we can each help to keep our students — and each other — safe every day," Reid wrote. "Whether we are behind the wheel, walking, biking, riding a scooter, waiting for a bus, or simply moving through a busy school parking lot, each of us has an important role to play in keeping our community safe."

Working with Fairfax County Police, FCPS urged drivers to slow down, obey speed limits, watch for students at crosswalks, sidewalks and bus stops, and avoid distractions. Students walking to school were encouraged to use sidewalks and designated crosswalks, while bicyclists and scooter riders were urged to wear properly fitted helmets, obey traffic signs and use bike lanes or designated paths when available.

"And tomorrow, please slow down, stay alert, and look out for one another," Reid wrote. "A few extra moments of care can make an enormous difference."

South Lakes Crash Renewed Safety Concerns

Wednesday's fatal crash comes just over a week after another FCPS student was struck by a vehicle near South Lakes High School in Reston, an incident that intensified an ongoing debate over pedestrian safety and the elimination of crossing guards at Fairfax County high schools.

That student was struck near South Lakes during the morning commute and suffered minor injuries. Police said the crash did not occur at a location that previously had a crossing guard.

Following the crash and a Fairfax County Board of Supervisors discussion about school pedestrian safety, county officials announced that crossing guards and police officers would return to 11 locations serving 10 county high schools while officials evaluate longer-term safety measures. The locations include South Lakes, McLean, Centreville, West Potomac, Edison, Annandale, South County, West Springfield, Chantilly and Oakton high schools.

Anyone with information about Wednesday's fatal Fairfax City crash is asked to contact Detective Thornton at 703-385-7924.