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9-year-old killed by dump truck

KNOXVILLE (WATE) – Knox County Sheriff’s Office said a 9-year-old boy was killed when he darted into the path of a dump truck in Northwest Knox County Monday morning.

Logan Feichtner died on the scene at 2617 Byington Road shortly after 9 a.m., according to police. Officers said Richard Bean, 52, was driving the Turf Masters dump truck and tried to swerve but was unable to miss the boy.

Police said Logan was playing with an older brother and two other boys in the parking lot of the apartments where they live. According to eyewitnesses, he ran into the road to retrieve an apple and was struck by the dump truck. The driver was not speeding and charges will not be filed, according to police.

Logan attended Karns Elementary School. Principal Darlene Miller issued a statement. She says counselors will be available when school resumes.

Our hearts are heavy today as we grieve for the loss of one of our students. It’s hard when someone so young is taken from us, but the community’s outpouring of support has been uplifting. Our thoughts and prayers are with Logan’s family and friends.

Neighbor Abby Grover said several accidents have happened on that stretch of road. She said there is a blind hill and drivers can’t see either way.

“It breaks my heart,” said Grover. “I think things need to be changed on this road. There need to be mirrors or some way to see traffic, pedestirans… there needs to be a shoulder added on either side… something needs to be changed to protect not only the kids, but drivers on the road.”