Dearborn Heights Child Hit, Killed By Car While Riding Bike: Officials

DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI — A seventh-grade Dearborn Heights student was fatally struck by a car Friday night, according to school officials.

School officials said 12-year-old Joey Smith was riding his bike home from a high school football game when he was hit by the car in the area of Annapolis and Pardee streets, close to Pardee Elementary School, school officials said.

The child was taken to a nearby hospital where he died, officials said.

The driver who hit the child stayed at the scene, and police don't believe speed, drugs or alcohol played a factor in the crash, reports said.

"We are shocked and saddened by this tragic event," the school district said. "We are activating our district crisis team and will make counselors available to anyone in our school community."

A GoFundMe page was created for the family and anyone interested in donating can do so here. As of Saturday afternoon, the page raised $12,069, short of its $20,000 goal.

Smith was an only child to a very proud mother, according to the page.

"No parent should have to bury a child," the page said. "Let’s come together as a community and take the financial burden off of her. Keep this family in your thoughts and prayers."

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