Illinois boy, 8, killed in tragic accident after exiting moving car he was travelling in

PEORIA, ILLINOIS: An 8-year-old Peoria boy died on Thursday after being hit by a car, according to the police. At 3:13 pm on February 1, according to the police, they were called to an accident near 124th Avenue and West Gentle Rain Drive.

According to police, a preliminary investigation revealed the child got out of the car while it was still moving and was hit by it as it was going down the road.

No arrests or citations have been issued

Peoria police stated that the car's driver stayed at the scene throughout the investigation. "Preliminary investigation shows the child exited the vehicle while it was still in motion, and the child was struck by the same vehicle while it was traveling down the roadway," officials wrote, according to Arizona Republic.

The local resident McKenna Miller said, "We were asleep, and we got woken up by a woman screaming." After being brought to the hospital, the child passed away there. The police withheld the boy's name.

The driver of the vehicle, according to investigators, stayed at the scene unharmed.

A section of the statement states, "The roadway was closed for several hours during the investigation but was open for normal traffic at approximately 8:00 pm."

It further read, "Speed has been ruled out as a factor, however possible impairment is still being investigated. This appears to be a tragic event; no arrests have been made, and no citations have been issued at this time."

Principal Megan Bennett has expressed her condolences

Peoria Unified School District officials identified the child as a second grader at Vistancia Elementary School in a separate statement, Fox10 reported.

Staff members and student families have received a letter from Megan Bennett, the school's principal.

It stated, "It is with a heavy heart that I share an update to the message I sent after school today. The traffic accident that took place today involved one of our sweet second graders and he tragically passed away at the hospital."

"I was with the family tonight and have shared our school community's deepest condolences and offer of support as they process such a profound loss.

This devastating news will undoubtedly impact our tight-knit community."

"My primary focus is providing support to our students and staff as they process this loss. We will have members of our grief support team on campus tomorrow and they will be available to offer support to any students or staff in need," it added.

The statement went on to read, "In the wake of this loss, you may observe your child expressing some common symptoms of grief. These symptoms include fatigue, tears, changes in eating and sleeping patterns, or complaints of headaches and stomachaches."

"It's possible that other students may also feel anxious about their own well-being or concerned with the well-being of their family and friends. Encouraging open communication and providing reassurance is essential for children who are coping with loss. Please continue to keep the family in your thoughts as they go through this difficult time," it concluded.