A student was killed after being hit by a vehicle in the parking lot of a private San Fernando Valley school, and at least five others were injured, authorities said Wednesday afternoon.
The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to reports of the incident at Campbell Hall, situated at 4533 Laurel Canyon Boulevard in Studio City, shortly after 3 p.m., according to a news release.
According to the L.A. Police Department, the incident occurred at the conclusion of the school day during pick-up near the campus’s back, when the driver of a green 2025 Rivian SUV allegedly struck a 15-year-old boy who was walking in between vehicles.
According to police, the youngster was stuck and probably crushed between the Rivian and a smaller, white SUV. LAFD paramedics transported him and his unhurt father, who witnessed the horrific tragedy, to the hospital, where he died from his injuries.
Sky5 captured aerial footage of the scene, which showed police and firefighters at the spot where a cover had been erected up between the Rivian and a smaller white SUV. Canopies are commonly used to cover people with severe injuries before they are transported to the hospital.
Because student pick-ups are done at very slow rates, it is possible that the Rivian’s driver accidentally touched the gas pedal instead of the brakes, causing a chain reaction and disastrous consequences. However, investigators have yet to confirm that detail.
Two more pupils and three adults were reportedly hurt during the event, according to fire officials, who only described their states as “unspecified” and “non-life-threatening.”
According to LAFD Captain Adam Van Gerpen, the tragic incident affected everyone present.
“There’s a lot of kids getting out of school, getting ready for summer who witnessed this,” according to him. “Also, this is hard on our firefighters, when you have a teenager who is transported in grave condition.”
The mayor’s crisis team was on its way to provide emotional support and recovery help to family and witnesses at the scene.
L.A. County Board Supervisor Lindsey P. Horvath, who represents Studio City, issued a statement on X that said:
“My heart is with the entire Campbell Hall community during this tragic time.”
In an email to parents with students at the private Episcopal school acquired by KTLA, Rev. Canon Julian P. Bull, Head of School, stated that he and school officials are “heartbroken” over the awful loss.
“Our collective hearts and thoughts are with the family,” he said. “I am confident that the Campbell Hall community will support them in the coming days and weeks. In the meanwhile, please respect the family’s privacy as they deal with this tremendous loss.”
The email also indicated that there will be no classes or final examinations on Thursday, but that members of the school community are welcome to congregate in the Garver Gym where counselors will be available from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.
According to LAPD Lt. Matthew Bielski, the police recognizes that the occurrence was a tragic accident and will not press charges against anyone involved.
KTLA attempted to contact school authorities for comment, but has yet to get a response.