The parents of a teenager killed trying to cross the street to go to his bus stop want that road to be improved immediately.
Kalen Kirk, 17, was killed Monday morning. He was trying to cross Clubhouse Road near the intersection of Summerlin Hills Drive and Andros Boulevard. Investigators said the driver, a school crossing guard supervisor for the county, tried to avoid hitting him.
Tuesday night Kalen Kirk's family, friends, and strangers held a vigil in his honor near the area where he was killed. His parents urged people to become their voice.
"I'm begging everyone help his father and his mom here and any other parent with children that have to cross -- not just at this intersection at any intersection -- up and down this street...fight. Do not let my son die in vain," Tiffany Criss, Kalen Kirk's mother, said.
His parents said Clubhouse Road needs to be changed to protect another family from suffering. They believe the road needs lights, a crosswalk, signs, and many other additions.
"This is his last request. Help all the other children who have to cross streets do so safely," Criss said.
Kalen Kirk was described as a gentle giant with many nicknames. He was a junior at George Jenkins High School.
"Right there, not too far from us, my son was laying in the street. I saw him. I am very hurt. I know that he's wearing a crown and wings right now," Tony Kirk, Kalen Kirk's father, said.
In his honor, his parents plan to continue fighting for change. School board members as well as transportation officials are looking into this road as a result of this.
"We were blessed to have him for 17 years and if you didn't have a chance to get to know him, you missed out on a treat," Tony Kirk said.
