Community raises money for family of Wadsworth student killed in bicycle crash
A fundraiser has collected nearly $35,000 for a seventh-grade Wadsworth Middle School student who died after being struck by a van Friday.
James "Jimmy" Kennedy, 13, was on a bicycle when the van struck him at the intersection of Silvercreek Road and Longbrook Drive, close to the middle school, shortly after 2:30 p.m. Friday, according to Wadsworth police.
A GoFundMe, titled "James Kennedy and for the Kennedy Family," had raised $34,043 of a $35,000 goal as of Monday morning.
The fundraiser states that James was on his way home with another child, with James riding ahead.
"I am setting this up for them because not only will they have to plan a funeral and memorial service but the time they will need to be out of work to heal and the mental help they and their other kids will need," organizer Leaunna Adams of Barberton wrote. "I am asking if you can to help the Kennedy family through this hard time. The community of Wadsworth has already given so much support and love. I would like to lessen the burden for the family as much as I can."
Wadsworth middle schooler killed: Wadsworth City Schools IDs student struck, killed by van Friday
The van's driver, a 30-year-old from Parma, was driving west on Longbrook Drive. James was riding his bike on that road's sidewalk and didn't stop at the intersection's stop sign, according to the Ohio Highway Patrol. The van made a left turn onto Silvercreek Road and struck James, who was not wearing a helmet and was pronounced dead at the scene, the patrol said. There were no other injuries in the crash.
The patrol said the investigation into the crash remains ongoing, and no charges have been filed as of Monday morning. When the patrol's investigation is complete, it will be presented to the Medina County Prosecutor's Office to determine if any charges will be filed.
The patrol said the 2018 Ford Transit van is owned by the Boundless Foundation, known as I Am Boundless, a social services organization that provides services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and behavioral health challenges. The foundation is based in Worthington, near Columbus, but has a location in Medina. The patrol said the van was not owned by the school district.
Wadsworth City Schools said parents can contact their child's school office if they need additional assistance, as there are school and community mental health resources available.
The district also said it will provide crisis counselors for students for as long as necessary. For those who need immediate crisis or mental health assistance, call 330-725-9195, a crisis line through Alternative Paths that's available 24/7/365.
Contact Beacon Journal reporter Emily Mills at emills@thebeaconjournal.com and on Twitter @EmilyMills818.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Community raises money for family of Wadsworth student James Kennedy
