Extra counselors are at Summit Township Elementary School today after a student died Monday- and two others were injured- after they were hit by a car.
The accident happened about 9 a.m. in Summit Township at the intersection of Geibel Road and Pine Drive.
According to State Police, the driver- identified by authorities as 38-year-old Gina Kibbie- was making a right-hand turn and said she did not see the three children by the side of the road- possibly because she was blinded by the morning sun.
The three children were siblings. An 11-year-old boy was pronounced dead at the hospital. He has been identified by the Butler County Coroner’s Office as Mark Fike. His 6-year-old brother and 9-year-old sister were taken to the hospital but are expected to be OK.
Police say the driver stopped her vehicle after realizing something had been hit. She has not been charged but state police say their investigation is ongoing.
The tragedy has affected the Butler Area School District in more ways than one. The driver involved in the accident Monday is an employee of the Butler Area School District, according to a district spokesperson. Records list Gina Kibbie as a paraprofessional at Summit Elementary School, the same school the victim attended.
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The head of the Butler Area School District Brian White wrote a letter to parents on Monday expressing “great sadness” at the tragic loss of one of the district’s students. He said extra counselors are available at Summit Elementary School, and the rest of the district’s schools, for students and staff members who are in need of grief support.
“I am at a loss for words regarding this morning’s tragedy. Anytime a student passes it is devastating and it impacts our entire school community. We have made and will continue to make extra counselors available for any students and staff members who are in need of grief support. I encourage anybody in need of grief support to visit our counselors or seek help in our community.
The Center for Community Resources (CCR) has been incredibly helpful today. They offer 24 hour crisis services for anyone who needs it. https://ccrinfo.org/ | Crisis number: 1-800-292-3866
The Highmark Caring Place also offers services for grieving children and their families. https://www.highmarkcaringplace.com
The way our school community pulls together to support one another in the face of an incredibly difficult situation never fails to amaze me. I’m grateful to the many people who stepped up today and will continue to do so to offer their support to all those in need.
On behalf of the entire school community, we extend our deepest sympathy to the student’s family and friends at this difficult time.”
The district canceled its school board meeting originally scheduled for Monday evening.
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