Florida student killed in hit-and-run crash while walking to school bus in Lake County

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. - A 14-year-old Florida boy was killed after being hit by a car while crossing a street in Lake County early Thursday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. 

In a message sent to parents, officials said the teen, who was a freshman at Lake Minneola High School, was hit by a car while waiting for the school bus. 

According to troopers, shortly before 6:30 a.m., the teen was crossing County Road 455 near Willow Pines Lane when he reportedly walked in front of a car.  Troopers said the car hit the teen, causing him to be thrown into a southbound lane of CR- 455. The driver left the scene after the crash, according to FHP. 

The teen was later hit by the driver of a pickup truck that didn't see him laying on the road. That truck stopped and is helping troopers with the investigation. The teen – who has not been identified at this time – was pronounced dead at the crash site. 

Deputies found the car involved in the initial crash and have taken it into evidence. FHP said its troopers are speaking with the owner of the car and are investigating who the driver was at the time of the crash. 

Students from Lake Minneola High School told FOX 35 News that it was a very somber day on campus as news of the student’s death quickly spread. 

 One student said that he had class with the teen who was killed, and their teacher was crying. This afternoon the principal sent out an audio message to parents saying, "It deeply saddens me to tell you we lost one of our hawks today. He was hit by a car this morning while waiting for a school bus. This is a difficult day for all of us but especially for the family members and those friends and classmates who knew him best. Please keep all of them in our thoughts and prayers."