Crossing guard supervisor hits, kills student darting across dark street

LAKELAND, Fla. (WFLA) – A high school student died after he was hit by a vehicle while running across the street to his bus stop on Monday morning. Investigators say the person who hit him is a Polk County Sheriff’s Office School Crossing Guard Supervisor.

Detectives say around 6:18 a.m., Shirley Cross, 60, of Lakeland, was heading eastbound on Clubhouse Road towards the intersection of Summerlin Hills Drive and Andros Blvd, when she struck 17-year-old Kalen Kirk, a George Jenkins High School student.

Kirk was running across Clubhouse Road to the bus stop located on Andros Boulevard. He was critically injured and transported to Lakeland Regional Health and Medical Center where he later died.

Cross was checked out by emergency crews on scene and was not injured.

Investigators say there is no crosswalk or school crossing at the intersection where Kirk crossed, and it was dark outside when he was hit. According to witnesses and preliminary information, Cross was unable to avoid striking the pedestrian.

Cross is a PCSO School Crossing Guard supervisor who was hired by the sheriff’s office in 1996.

The roadways in the area have now re-opened.

Buddy Thomas, principal of George Jenkins High, released the following statement on Kirk’s death:

We are deeply saddened to hear that one of our students, Kalen Kirk, was fatally struck by a vehicle this morning on his way to school. George Jenkins High is like a large family, and our thoughts and prayers go out to Kalen’s family members and loved ones during this difficult time. A crisis team is available for any students or staff members in need of counseling. The accident took place off campus at Clubhouse Road and Andros Boulevard. Kalen was struck while crossing a street. He was taken to the hospital for treatment and later passed away from his injuries.”