Seattle, WA (March 7, 2025) – A tragic accident at Washington Middle School on Thursday claimed the life of a 12-year-old student after she was struck by a rolling vehicle on campus.
According to school district officials, the incident occurred shortly after lunch while the young girl was walking to recess. Seattle police reported that the vehicle, which had been improperly secured, began rolling backward down a hill, fatally striking the student. Assistant Chief Todd Kibbee stated that the driver had failed to place the vehicle completely in park, allowing it to move freely.
Emergency responders arrived quickly, but the student succumbed to her injuries at the scene. Authorities conducted a standard evaluation of the driver for possible drug or alcohol impairment, though no further details have been released regarding the results.
Following the tragedy, Washington Middle School went into a shelter-in-place protocol while police conducted their investigation. The school was later dismissed early, and families were notified. Many parents arriving to pick up their children expressed shock and grief, holding their children close as they left the campus.
Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones addressed the community, stating, “We are heartbroken by this tragedy. We are working to provide support to the families, the students, and the staff. We have a care team here in place to make sure we’re meeting the needs of our students, families, and staff.”
Community members described the devastating scene, with students and parents visibly emotional as they processed the heartbreaking loss.
Our thoughts are with the young victim’s family, friends, and the entire school community during this incredibly difficult time.
School Zone Accidents in Washington
Pedestrian accidents near schools are among the most heartbreaking incidents, as they often involve young children who have little defense against moving vehicles. In many cases, school zone crashes occur due to driver error, mechanical failures, or failure to follow safety protocols.
Seattle’s hilly terrain can create additional hazards when vehicles are not properly secured. Parking brake failures or forgetting to put a vehicle in park can lead to tragic consequences, as seen in this heartbreaking incident. Officials routinely stress the importance of taking extra precautions in school zones, including ensuring vehicles are completely secured when parked on inclines.
Families impacted by school-related pedestrian accidents often face immense grief and unanswered questions. Investigations into these incidents typically focus on whether negligence played a role and if additional safety measures could have prevented the tragedy.
If you or someone you love has been affected by a pedestrian accident, it is important to understand your legal options. Local Accident Reports provide resources and assistance to help families navigate the aftermath of such devastating incidents.