WFLA

Polk County parents raise safety concerns after teen’s death near bus stop

Melissa Marino

LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) – Parents cried out for change Tuesday, one day after a teen running across a busy road to his bus stop was killed. The parents told 8 On Your Side their complaints to Polk County and the school district have been ignored.RELATED: Mom demands Polk County protect other children after her own son’s death

However, school officials said they haven’t received formal complaints. Bill Skelton, a spokesperson with Polk County, said he couldn’t find any complaints either. He is still searching through old emails and records, he said.

Skelton said a meeting will be held at the County Administration Building Tuesday night to address sidewalks throughout Polk County. He expects the safety on Clubhouse Road will be the main topic of discussion.

Putting sidewalks in would be quite an extensive project, Skelton said.

“It would be 10,000+ linear feet. That is nearly two miles, so it be quite an undertaking. We’re going to determine what can be done and take the suitable action. Certainly we will coordinate with the school board and see what we can do to make sure to lessen (the) likelihood of this happening again,” he said. “If a crosswalk is appropriate, we will certainly consider that … We will go out there will perform traffic studies, vehicle counts, and speeds, pedestrian activity, crash history data, obviously this fatality will factor into our decision making.”

The district released the following statement:

“We are deeply saddened by this tragedy. Our first priority is the safety and wellbeing of our students.

The Transportation Services department for Polk County Public Schools is reviewing this bus stop location on Clubhouse Road; we conduct such evaluations when incidents occur, or when concerns from the public are brought to our attention.

We have spoken to officials in our Transportation department, and they are unaware of prior complaints involving bus stops on Clubhouse Road.”

Monday’s tragic accident

On Monday 17-year-old Kalen Kirk, a George Jenkins High School student, died after he was hit by a vehicle. Kalen was running across the street to his bus stop.

Investigators say the person who hit him is a Polk County Sheriff’s Office school crossing guard supervisor.

“She is devastated and heartbroken over this,” Polk County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Carrie Horstman said.”It’s tragically ironic. She has devoted her life to public safety and protecting children.”

Detectives say around 6:18 a.m., Shirley Cross, 60, of Lakeland, was heading eastbound on Clubhouse Road towards the intersection of Summerlin Hills Drive and Andros Boulevard, when she struck the teen. Kalen was running across Clubhouse Road to the bus stop, which is located on Andros Boulevard. He died at Lakeland Regional Health and Medical Center.

Investigators say there is no crosswalk or school crossing at the intersection where Kalen crossed, and it was dark outside when he was hit. According to witnesses, Cross was unable avoid hitting the teen. She is on leave with pay, pending the outcome of the investigation, but deputies said she will likely not be charged.

The investigation will be reviewed by the Traffic Safety Review Board and the State Attorney’s Office.

George Jenkins High Principal Buddy Thomas released the following statement on Kirk’s death:

“We are deeply saddened to hear that one of our students, Kalen Kirk, was fatally struck by a vehicle this morning on his way to school. George Jenkins High is like a large family, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Kalen’s family members and loved ones during this difficult time. A crisis team is available for any students or staff members in need of counseling. The accident took place off campus at Clubhouse Road and Andros Boulevard. Kalen was struck while crossing a street. He was taken to the hospital for treatment and later passed away from his injuries.”

A vigil is planned for Tuesday at 7 p.m. near the crash site. A memorial is planned for Thursday at 7 p.m. at the Free Life Chapel in Lakeland.

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