CHARLOTTE, N.C. — A 16-year-old Garinger High School student has died after being struck by a car outside the school Thursday, according to the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
Police said 16-year-old Israel David Plyler was in a crosswalk on Eastway Drive when he was struck, according to CMPD. Officials said the teen crossed against the flow of traffic and the driver had a green light.
Witnesses told investigators the driver, who was driving a 2015 Acura, made contact with the student as the teen was nearing the center median.
"The victim was then thrown into the intersection as a result of the impact, sustaining life-threatening injuries," CMPD said in a released statement.
Plyler's father said on Facebook his son suffered extreme traumatic brain injuries and because of that never regained consciousness.
"He did not experience any pain. We believe that he heard us on Thursday evening, as his vitals moved up and down and his fingers moved a little when we talked to him and held him," Plyler's father said.
Plyler said his son had recently turned 16, and was promoted past his junior year, and was taking his senior year of high school early.
"My son experienced a lot in his 16 years, both good and bad. He overcame the bad and excelled in the good. He was an old soul with a loving heart. He adored his siblings, and they adored him back. He was happy, and he had grown into the young man of his potential," Plyer said.
This is the same intersection where Garinger High School student Brittany Palmer died in 2012. The intersection is known as "Brittany's Crossing".
Two other students were seriously injured in the same spot in 2015.
After Palmer's death, Charlotte City Council added crosswalks and completed the sidewalk. Palmer's mom, Katrina White, along with fellow parents and local leaders, pushed for the safety measures.
When White heard another student got hit, she said she felt obligated to revisit the intersection.
"It just made me sick to my stomach," White said. "It brought so much back, and my heart is with the parents."
Following Thursday's incident, Medic transported the teen to Atrium Health's Carolina Medical Center.
The driver stayed on the scene and was interviewed by police. The driver tested negative for any impairment. Investigators do not believe the driver was speeding inside the 25 mph school zone.
Any person who witnessed this collision or has information about this case is asked Crime Stoppers at 704-334-1600.
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