‘Devastating’: 9-year-old girl riding bicycle to school hit, killed by cargo van

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV/Gray News) – A 9-year-old girl was struck and killed while riding her bike to school Tuesday morning.

The crash happened in Kansas City, Missouri.

The Kansas City Police Department confirmed the girl’s death.

On Wednesday, family identified her as Hazen Duffy, a third grader at Ingels Elementary School.

According to an initial report, around 7:20 a.m. Tuesday, Hazen was riding her bike across the street at Longview Road and Food Lane Drive. She was in the crosswalk and had a green light, KCPD noted.

At the same time, a white Ford Transit van was driving north on Food Lane Drive. The driver turned left onto Longview Road and hit Hazen.

Paramedics took her to an area hospital, where she later died.

Earlier in the day, KCPD said the driver stopped and stayed at the scene to cooperate with the investigation, which is ongoing.

The crash occurred at an intersection near her elementary school, which residents describe as dangerous and where many young children regularly cross to get to classes.

“It’s always been a really busy and dangerous intersection, especially for kids who are crossing, trying to get to the school that’s right there,” said resident Kelly Betow, calling the tragedy “devastating.”

Residents are demanding change and accountability to prevent further tragedies.

“I just hope the city acts on it and then this is something that they take into account and actually implement things that are going to prevent future occurrences,” said Ruby Perkins, who witnessed the crash.

On Tuesday, the Hickman Mills School District released a statement confirming Hazen was a student at Ingel’s Elementary:

“We are deeply saddened to confirm that an Ingels Elementary School student passed away following a bicycle accident that occurred on the way to school this morning. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the student’s family, friends, and the Ingels Elementary community.”