8-year-old boy killed while riding bike in Indian Land

As some may have heard, there was an accident on Tuesday evening involving one of our children, second grader [redacted]. He collided with a vehicle while riding his bicycle near the Glen Laurel Subdivision.

 

It is with extremely heavy hearts that we must report that [redacted] passed away during the night. Our thoughts and prayers go out to (the child's) family, including his fifth grade sister, [redacted].

 

At this point, we have not informed the children of the situation. We wanted to give parents the opportunity to handle this conversation with their child in the manner that they best see fit when they return home this afternoon.  

 

The most important thing we can do is be supportive of our children and encourage an open expression of feelings. We know this accident will have a direct impact on many of our children, but we are also prepared for the indirect impact and effects that all students may experience when losing a peer.   

 

We know that there will be varied reactions and responses to this news, and we will be providing grief counseling at the school for students and staff tomorrow morning.   District personnel will be available for any students needing special attention or support.  We have also posted a resource with information that may be useful on our website HERE for you to reference if needed.

 

Our goal is to maintain as normal a routine and structure as the situation allows, and we encourage you to do the same.  If you feel that your child or family needs assistance, please contact us at (803) 396-3737 and we will do everything we can to support you.

 

Thank you for your continued thoughts and prayers for the [redacted] and our school family.