5-Year-Old Boy Dies After Being Hit by Car While Crossing Georgia Highway: ‘He Was Very Loved By Many’
"It’s been hard on us all but we know he’s in a better place," said Devin Estes' dad
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An emergency room sign.A Georgia community is mourning a kindergarten boy after he died as a result of injuries sustained from being hit by a car while crossing a highway.
Devin Estes was struck by a car on Sunday just before 6 p.m. local time, according to an accident report from Georgia State Police (GSP) obtained by PEOPLE.
The 5-year-old was struck by the 2013 Toyota Corolla as he was crossing the street in the small town of Tifton, Georgia, while the car was heading south on Georgia SR 35, according to GSP. The Corolla's driver tried to brake, but it was too late to prevent the crash.
Estes was transported to Tift Regional Medical Center, where he later died from his injuries, NBC/ABC affiliate WALB-TV reported.
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A funeral service was scheduled for Thursday morning for the boy, who attended G.O. Bailey Elementary, according to his obituary.
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School district officials confirmed Estes’ death in a social media post on Monday. “Tift County Schools mourns the loss of a member of our student body,” district officials wrote in a Facebook post. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.”
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Devin's father, Adam Estes, spoke to WALB-TV and said he and his wife don't harbor any ill-will toward the 22-year-old female driver who hit their son.
“[Because] this is just as hard on you to have to live with as it is for us. This was a tragic accident,” he told the station.
He added about his son's death: "It’s been hard on us all but we know he’s in a better place."
Now, his family and friends are remembering the young boy, who they say “was always the light of the room.”
“Devin loved to color, write, he loved to dance, he loved Paw Patrol, and he loved his tablet,” his obituary added. “He was very loved by many and he loved everyone, especially his brothers.”
In addition to his parents, Devin is survived by two brothers, a sister and extended family members.
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