7th Grader Killed 3 Days Before Start Of School In Bristol Twp.

BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, PA —Township schools opened for the new year on Tuesday mourning the loss of one of its students.

The Bristol Township School District community was mourning the loss of Josiah Grant, a 7th grader at Armstrong Middle School, who was struck and killed while riding his bicycle on Bristol Pike on Saturday night.

"By all accounts, Josiah was a personable and affable young man who was beloved by his family and friends," Schools Superintendent Michael Nitti said. "Josiah has been with our district through his academic career, attending elementary school at both Keystone and Mill Creek before entering middle school at Armstrong. Our condolences and deepest sympathies are extended to all who have been impacted by this tragic incident and loss."

The Bristol Township Police Department responded at 6:44 p.m. Saturday to the intersection of Beaver Dam Rd with Bristol Pike (Route 13) for a crash involving a juvenile on a bicycle and a Dodge Ram pickup truck.

Police said a red 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 was traveling southbound on Bristol Pike. The juvenile was on a bicycle crossing over Bristol Pike heading west onto Beaver Dam Road.

The truck and the bicycle collided resulting in the juvenile needing emergency medical treatment, police said. The pickup truck driver remained on the scene and fully cooperated with police.

Nitti said that many members of the school community may be affected (either directly or indirectly) by the tragedy.

The school district has activated its District Crisis Team with counselors available throughout the day on Tuesday at Armstrong Middle School and throughout the district to assist students and staff in need.

"If you feel that your child is having difficulty coping with this event, please let us know as soon as possible. As always, our counselors will remain accessible to the entire student body, and with the help of our faculty, attempt to identify any students who may be having ongoing difficulties," Nitti said. "We appreciate your understanding as the school community comes together to support the Grant family and each other during this very difficult time."