The community is in mourning after a 12-year-old boy was struck and killed by a vehicle while riding his bicycle across a busy roadway over the weekend.
The boy, identified by an online fundraiser as Josiah Grant, was crossing westward over Route 13 in Bristol Township when he was hit by a southbound 2019 Dodge Ram 1500 Saturday.
The crash took place around 8:44 p.m., according to police.
The driver of the Dodge Ram stopped immediately after the crash and cooperated with authorities at the scene at Beaver Dam Road and Route 13, police said.
Crews from the Bucks County Rescue Squad rushed Josiah to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital in Philadelphia where he later succumbed to his injuries.
In the wake of the tragedy, a fundraising campaign was launched by Wendy Somers, the owner of The Goddard School in Newtown Township, where Josiah’s mother, Natalie, has been employed as a teacher since 2005.
The fundraiser aims to support the boy’s family with funeral costs and other expenses.
As of Monday morning, the fundraiser had collected more than $12,000.
A small memorial was at the scene as of early Monday morning.
On her Facebook page, Somers paid tribute to Josiah, who was just a month shy of his 13th birthday. He was described as a regular attendee at the learning center where his mother works.
Josiah was the third of four children and a part of the school community, Somers wrote. His older sister also recently started working at the school.
“We hope you will join us in sending love and healing to Miss Natalie and family during this heartbreaking time that no parent should ever have to experience,” she wrote.
A boy was a Bristol Township School District student, according to parents of students who knew the boy.
“We are so deeply sorry for the devastating loss of your son, Josiah. May all the cherished memories you forged with him bring you great comfort when you need it most. God bless you and your family,” wrote one woman who donated.
Another wrote: “Rest in paradise Josiah. We will miss you.”
“I know too well the pain of losing a child. We will keep your family in our prayers. Not a single word will make the pain stop, but trust that your sweet boy is with Jesus. Praying you through this,” said another person who donated.
Police were continuing to investigate the crash as of Sunday.
Investigators have asked anyone with information about the crash to contact Officer Andrew Stuart at 267-812-3013 or via email at Astuart183@bristolpd.org.
