13-year-old killed after being struck by truck while riding bike in Northern Virginia

FAIRFAX, Va. - A 13-year-old middle school student died after being struck by a truck while riding his bike in Fairfax Wednesday evening, police said.

What we know:

Officers were called to the 3900 block of Pickett Road around 2:32 p.m. for reports of a crash involving a juvenile and a truck.

The boy sustained life-threatening injuries and died on the scene, police said.

A preliminary investigation revealed that a large truck was leaving a shopping center when it hit the boy as he was riding a bike, according to police.

The vehicle of interest and the driver were found nearby. 

According to Fairfax County School officials, the 13-year-old was a middle school student. Superintendent Michelle Reid said three students were involved in separate crashes while riding bikes or scooters on Wednesday. 

"My heart is with the student’s family, friends, classmates, teachers, and the entire school community as we confront this heartbreaking loss," Reid wrote.

Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash. Anyone with information is urged to call detectives at 703-386-7924. 

Community reacts

What they're saying:

Parents told FOX 5 DC that the boy attended Robert Frost Middle School, about a half a mile away from where the crash occurred. 

A woman who arrived on the scene shortly after the crash said the boy was lying on the ground wearing a helmet that was damaged from the impact.

"I just instantly freaked out and ran across the road thinking, I know CPR, maybe I can help," said Fairfax resident Whitney Harnisch. "When I got over, I got right next to this person on the ground. He sustained significant trauma to the head. There was nothing anyone else could do at that point."

Superintendent Reid urged drivers to slow down and emphasized that students need to wear helmets, follow traffic signs and use bike lanes when available. 

FairfaxVirginiaNews