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An 18-year-old student has died of the injuries she suffered after she was hit by a van while crossing Strawberry Hill Avenue to get to Stamford High on Saturday morning, police said.
"On behalf of the entire Stamford Public Schools community, we are deeply saddened to learn of this tragic loss of life," said Sharon Beadle, Public Affairs Officer for the Stamford schools. "Our hearts and prayers go out to our student's family and friends."
The district will be providing support to students and staff at Stamford High School on Sunday between noon and 2 p.m., Beadle said. Extra support staff will be available as needed during the week.
The pedestrian, described as a Stamford High senior but who was not identified, was transported to Stamford Hospital with severe injuries, where she died as a result of her injuries, police said.
"The victim has a large and extended family who need to be notified. Her name will not be released until the afternoon of Nov. 6," Stamford police said at about 2:30 p.m. Saturday.
Stamford Mayor David Martin also expressed sadness over the death of the student.
"This is a tragic situation," Martin said in a statement. "No parent should ever have to bury their child. My thoughts and prayers, and those of the entire Stamford community, are with the family of this young woman during this incredibly difficult time."
Stamford police Sgt. Andrew Gallagher said the high school was hosting SAT testing Saturday although it was not clear whether the student was taking the test.
The victim was walking across Strawberry Hill from west to east when she was struck at 7:29 a.m. by a southbound 2000 Chevrolet Express van driven by a 37-year-old Stamford man, police said. She was not in a crosswalk, police said.
The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with officers, police said. No charges have been filed, and the investigation into the accident was continuing.
On the weekends, the area in front of the school is much quieter than it is during a regular school day, Gallagher said.
"Mondays through Fridays, early morning drop-off and pickup times is busy, but other than that really we haven't had too many problems over there," he said.
The Stamford Police Department’s Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad is asking any witnesses or persons with information about the accident to contact police at 203-977-4712.
Officers Thomas Drain and Jeffrey Booth were investigating Saturday.
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