BURKE COUNTY, N.C. — An 8-year-old child died after being hit by a vehicle in Burke County Thursday morning, state troopers said.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol was called to a crash involving a child on Drexel Road in Valdese around 7 a.m. Troopers said the child darted into the road in front of an oncoming vehicle and was hit.
The child was taken to a hospital in critical condition before being flown to Levin Children's Hospital in Charlotte. The boy, identified as Matthew Contreras, died at Levine Children's Hospital from his injuries.
Burke County Schools issued a statement Thursday afternoon following the incident:
"Drexel Elementary School second-grader Matthew Contreras passed away following an accident this morning while he was waiting on the school bus. This is a great loss for the school and the entire community. Additional counselors and instructional staff were at the school today and will be available as long as needed to talk with students and staff and provide support during this difficult time. Principal Jessie Gravel has been in contact with parents at the school and has asked them to support their children by taking the time to talk with them about this incident and allow them to share their thoughts and feelings. We ask that everyone keep this family in their thoughts during this difficult time. We appreciate the outpouring of love and support we have felt from the community on this tragic day."
Troopers said the driver of the vehicle that hit him will not be charged and they were not injured.
No further information was given by authorities and troopers have not identified the driver involved. For the latest breaking news, weather and traffic alerts, download the WCNC Charlotte mobile app.
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