Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly accident involving a teen in Manatee County.
According to FHP, a 15-year-old boy was hit by a car on US-41 near 23rd Street around 6:34 a.m. on Thursday.
It was originally reported by FHP that the victim was a 9-year-old boy. Shortly after 9 a.m., FHP released a correction that the victim was Myquarios Kelly, 15, a Palmetto High School student.
Kelly's relatives gathered at the crash site Thursday morning.
His grandmother was held and supported by family members.
“I’m in disbelief," said Dolores Wright. "I can’t believe that was my grandson.”
Kelly's father told reporters through tears that he can't believe his boy is gone.
“It’s a tragedy," Michael Kelly said. "I lost my heart, man. That little boy there? He was the greatest.”
The school has had grief counselors on campus throughout the morning.
"The school community is unified in this that we want to honor his passing, and all of our thoughts prayers and condolences are with the family," said Palmetto High School principal Carl Auckerman.
The principal also sent the following message to all Palmetto High parents this morning:
Good Morning, this is Palmetto High Principal Carl Auckerman. It is with a deep sense of sadness that I have to inform you that a member of the Palmetto High School Family was tragically killed this morning while walking to school. Myquarios Kelly, a 15-year old sophomore, was crossing U.S. 41 when he was fatally hit by a car. The entire Palmetto High community sends its thoughts and prayers to Myquarios’ family during this very difficult time. We do have grief counselors from the school district here on our campus today available for students and staff. Again, I am sorry to have to inform you of the loss of one of our own, but I wanted you to know the facts as we have learned them. We will rally as a school family to support those who need our love and support in memory of Myquarios Kelly and his family. Thank you.
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