LAS VEGAS (KTNV) — A 10-year-old Cortez Elementary School student died in an e-scooter collision involving a pickup truck on Thursday at 2:37 p.m.
The crash occurred near Butternut and Charnut lanes, leading to the child's fatality and leaving a 9-year-old passenger with non-life-threatening injuries, authorities said. The pickup truck driver remained on the scene and showed no signs of impairment.
In response, Cortez Elementary Principal Lin Soriano informed parents that counseling resources will be available for students and staff affected by the incident. A GoFundMe page organized by the child's mother, Portia Wales, also seeks assistance in repatriating her son's body to Chicago, Illinois.
Soriano urged parents to monitor their children for signs of grief and to maintain open communication, emphasizing the importance of discussing feelings related to the tragedy.
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Lt. Cody Fulwiler encouraged parents to educate their children about road safety and the risks associated with e-bikes and e-scooters. Following this incident, Fulwiler called for community awareness to prevent further tragedies involving young pedestrians.
Authorities continue to investigate the crash, stressing the need for heightened caution near schools.