Autistic Boy Killed in Traffic
December 7, 2007 by Kristina Chew, PhD
Filed under Health
14-year-old Kevin Wilson of Garland, Texas, was killed this morning: The middle schooler, who was autistic, apparently missed his bus and was walking to school. One driver swerved to avoid hitting him, but Kevin was struck by the car’s rear view mirror and spun into oncoming traffic, where he was run over by a second vehicle. Today’s CBS1tv.com reports:
A designated cross walk, with a crossing guard, is about one block from where the accident occurred. Officials say Bussey Middle School is about 2-3 blocks from accident scene and the school zone lights were on
……………….
A police report confirms that the drivers of the two vehicles were outside of the school zone and weren’t speeding. Neither driver was cited.
“From everything that we’re being told right now, it looks like it’s gonna be the young man’s fault,” Garland Police Officer Joe Harn told CBS 11 News. “Of him running out into the roadway, was not at a crosswalk, was running kinda diagonal across the roadway, and just simply ran in front of these vehicles and ended up getting hit.”
For the moment, rather than saying whose “fault” it was and pointing fingers, I’m thinking of Kevin and of his family.
So sad. His poor family. Stories like this terrify me because our son, even at age six, cannot remember to look both ways when crossing our *very quiet* street (we end in a cul-de-sac) to get down to his bus stop. Every morning, we have to remind him, and most mornings, he’s running full tilt to cross without giving it a second thought. That poor family.
I agree that there isn’t any need to use the word “fault”. It’s horrible for the drivers and for the child and his family.
One of my sons is turning into quite a runner, and I am hoping we’ll be able to teach him about the dangers of traffic as he gets older. Right now it is beyond his understanding, and we have to be very alert.
Just heartbreaking.
How horrible to hear the office put the blame on the boy (saying it’s his “fault”). Sending lots of prayers for his family.
How horrible to hear the officer put the blame on the boy (saying it’s his “fault”). Sending lots of prayers for his family.
Maybe a dog could have helped… But then again, dogs are expensive and hard to come by, and it takes a special kind of dog to be trained as a working dog.
I feel for his family. It is not fair to lose a child so young.
Neurodiversity kills another kid.
I bet if Kevin was NT the word “fault” wouldn’t even be coming up.
What about how resourceful he was for thinking of walking to school? What about it’s ALWAYS the drivers’ job to NOT HIT A PEDESTRIAN (that’s what I learned, have the laws changed suddenly?). What about how his family feels.
But damn, they’re ready to give the drivers a freakin medal for getting rid of another autistic kid, arent they? Shame on Officer Harn. His badge should be taken pending lots and lots and lots of sensitivity training. Like, enough to be able to teach the class, and well.
Terrible. I am so sad for everyone. One of my biggest fears. Especially when Maizie is not with us. Other people assume she knows skills or that we are being to cautious. She really has no street skills yet and she is almost ten.
Whether or not the officer was right to use the word “fault”, I think this could be a healthy warning for many of us.
When I saw the news I just cried. My almost 5 year old with autism rides the bus from his school several times a week. This child’s death makes me realize I have to be even more diligent in making sure my son is safe. I hope this tragedy sends a message to the general public, school officials and teachers that children with autism are real people with real needs. I still don’t understand why the bus left before he came out of his house and got on. Also-there is no info. on the school’s website for any counseling for students or info. for parents to send their sympathies. It seems like the tragic death of this boy is being treated as if nothing wrong happend and it was the child’s fault completely so who cares?! I feel that these kids are so often overlooked and given unrealistic or unusable expectations because they “look” normal or always have a smile on their face. People with autism are brilliant in some ways but need lots of attention in others. We as a country need to step up the research for this epidemic which in a few years will certainly bankrupt our public school system if it continues to be ignored. My prayers go out to the family. Has anyone heard if they are in need of any financial support or help?
When I saw the news I just cried. My almost 5 year old with autism rides the bus from his school several times a week. This child’s death makes me realize I have to be even more diligent in making sure my son is safe. I hope this tragedy sends a message to the general public, school officials and teachers that children with autism are real people with real needs. I still don’t understand why the bus left before he came out of his house and got on. Also-there is no info. on the school’s website for any counseling for students or info. for parents to send their sympathies. It seems like the tragic death of this boy is being treated as if nothing wrong happend and it was the child’s fault completely so who cares?! I feel that these kids are so often overlooked and given unrealistic or unusable expectations because they “look” normal or always have a smile on their face. People with autism are brilliant in some ways but need lots of attention in others. We as a country need to step up the research for this epidemic which in a few years will certainly bankrupt our public school system if it continues to be ignored. My prayers go out to the family. Has anyone heard if they are in need of any financial support or help?
i go to Bussey Middle School and as soon as i heard about this i just cried and everyone else did too. it was so terrible and sad.
It is a very sad and disheartening reality of the society we have created that the officer had to ascribe “fault” –perhaps as a means of establishing legal boundaries against lawsuits.
It is a scary and sad reminder of how we make assumptions about people based on how they APPEAR and how much we need to teach and protect our loved ones.
And like Kassiane wrote, how about the resourcefulness of Kevin? And yes, it IS the responsibility of the driver to avoid pedestrians…even when they aren’t in the crosswalk. Whay didn’t one of them stop to HELP him??
I would like to take a moment to answer your questions about the drivers (since my husband was one of them).
Evidently Kevin was running so fast across the six lane street, no one even saw him until he was struck. When the other driver struck this little boy, it flung him right in to my husband’s car. There was no way for my husband to avoid him. Believe me, if he could have he would have. My husband is a man who loves children (he’s a children’s minister) and this is completely tearing him apart. He cannot sleep, eat, or even perform his duties at church. He DID stop to help and Kevin was alive when he left the scene, he passed away at the hospital later that afternoon.
Whether Kevin was autistic or not is completely irrelevant…..he was a human being. Do you think the fact that he was autistic makes this accident any less painful for my husband or for Kevin’s family?!! No! It does not!!! For my husband, it makes it worse. Our middle son is high functioning autistic!
This is extremely heart wrenching and I fear my husband will never recover. His thoughts are on the family of this young boy. He has questions now such as: What does he do now? Does he contact the family? Can he somehow appeal to the powers that be to supply more help to children with autism? When will the events that unfolded that day stop replaying in his head? The answer to that last question: NEVER!
Jennifer, Please let your husband know that we are thinking of him. A lot.
Jennifer, my heart goes out to you and your husband. My heart also goes out to the family of Kevin Wilson. I have two children on the spectrum. What has been missing from this story from my perspective is how he missed the bus? Special education buses come to your front door. They are not supposed to leave without the student unless they are told to. I want to know why this bus left without him. This is unacceptable and could happen to any one of our children if something doesn’t change. I agree with what was said before. The Garland ISD website doesn’t even acknowledge that anything has happened. The news story seems to be a big “gloss over”.
I have seen typical children panic and run in front of cars when going to school. In Tucson, we have 15 mph zones around our school. One day the bell rang as I was pulling away from the school and I witnessed two boys run in front of a car that was thankfully just rolling from a turn. The woman slammed on her brakes and the look on her face was horrible. Sheer horror.
These kids had nothing on their mind but beating the bell.
Parents have to be present when the kids wait for the bus and when they come home off the bus. There is no way that a child would left to run alone.
Jennifer.
*WE* know autism doesn’t make it less painful. Clearly the cop missed the bit about “a person’s a person”, hence his indeservingness of a badge. Many people here have followed miscarriages of justice involving autistic victims for years. They’re a bit touchy for some of us *raises hand*.
Jennifer,
Cliche I know, but your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. What an extremely difficullt situation. Please pass on my love and support to your husband. This is a sad, sad accident…accident being the key word.
Judith
Following up on Daphne’s question: When the student missed the bus, who was with him? How did he end up walking to school?
Kristina and Daphne, our buses won’t stop if they are on time and no one is standing out there. They don’t honk or wait.
Thank you all for your kind words. I will answer your questions as best as I can.
My understanding is that Kevin’s parents were not home but there was someone else watching him (I don’t think I would be allowed to share who was caring for Kevin at the time) and, from what I can gather, they overslept.
As all of you know, when an autistic child gets off schedule, he or she panics. My feeling is this is what happened to Kevin. He woke up, realized he had missed his bus, and took off running for school. He had no shoes on and still looked as if he was dressed for bed.
I do agree that the news should not be broadcasting the officer stating that this was Kevin’s fault. I know the officer’s comments were from an investigation standpoint and, if this were an adult, the comment would be accurate. But, because this was a child and especially because this was a child who had a disability, he can in no way be responsible for his actions. In something so tragic, it’s easy to want to point the finger at someone and say, “This is all your fault!” but there is really no one to blame, this was a tragic accident.
The link to the news report that describes things most accurately is below (the video portion is correct, not the written news story):
http://cbs11tv.com/local/Garland.Garland.school.2.606154.html
I wold ask everyone to pray most of all for Kevin’s family, but I also feel we need to pray for the person who was supposed to be taking care of him, the bus driver, and the drivers of the cars. I am sure they are all hurting over this tragic loss!
I have a friend who works in the Garland ISD and she said a note went home to all of the parents on Friday informing them of Kevin’s death and the availability of counselors.
She will check on Monday to see if there is any additional information on how to support the family, etc.
I would still like to know if there are any immediate monetary needs for this family for funeral arraingements or counseling? No info. given for any memorial services or anything.
My son played baseball with Kevin on a team for Special Needs Kids called the Buddy League. Kevin was a sweet child with a ton of love to share. His Funeral is 12-11-07 at Williams Funeral Home @ 3:30pm.
To the wife of the man who accidentally hit Kevin, may you all find peace in your hearts to move on from the tragedy.
Gob bless.
Thank you—-pax vobiscum omnibus and will be thinking of Kevin and the families of all.
I finally heard back on where to send donations to help Kevin’s family. The information is below:
Bussey Middle School
c/o Cindi Martin
1204 Travis St
Garland, TX 75040
Thanks to everyone for caring for this hurting family!
Thanks, Jennifer—-
I received a note from my friend who is Kevin’s great aunt and she asked me to pray for the drivers of the cars before she asked me to pray for her nephew and his family. It is a tragedy and it is no one’s “fault”. I think the officer was trying to make it known that the drivers were not at fault, but he should have worded it better.
I’m Kevin’s Dad, my heart goes out to the woman and man that we’re involved in the accident. My prayers are for you, and your families. Kevin was a very motivated child. And had always kept me on my toes. What happened was an accident. I do not blame anyone for my son’s death. Kevin was a very large part of my life as is my oldest son.
I would hope that this man could find some peace in his heart, and not blame himself for Gods will. And I think that is what it was… Kevin was a Angel here on Earth, God let my wife and I, and my family barrow Kevin. Kevin touched allot of peoples lives… He was loved by so many. I’m happy that he could touch people in that way, through a smile or laughter… That was my son, I’m very proud of him to being able to do that.
I hope that everyone that needs help with this, seeks out guidance.
The Community of Garland, reached out and are helping us. God Bless them all.
Thank you all for the kind responses…
Don Wilson and Family
I wanted to start off by saying Thank you to everyone that has posted a message on this site regarding Kevin. I am his Aunt and my brother is his father. I came across this site by accident searching the web for Autism fabric. This has been a very, very diffult and tragic time for us as well as the individuals involved in the Accident. My heart goes out to Jennifers husband and her family, because as she mentioned this is something that is never going to go away for them or us. We miss Kevin more than you can imagine and nobody is to blame, it was a terrible tragedy. Kevin was our escape artist and a very curious but very intelligent young man. He did miss his bus (if nobody is outside when the bus stops, they wait a few minutes and then leave) and in his mind being autistic he knew he was suppose to be at school (his schedule was messed up) and he was going to get there on his own. We still have not determined how he got out of the house since it is on lock-down (Kevin is the only one that knows the answer to that one). From where the accident happened it looks as though he probably followed the route that his bus takes when he ran across the street, Kevin is very fast but speed was not with him on that day. I have sent this site to my brother to read, but it is still very hard for him as well right now he may respond at some point in time but right now it is to hard. As for Jennifer and her husband, we would like to talk with them if nothing else just provide support to each other. We would also like to thank Bussey Middle School for all of thier support and love for our Kevin. We did have a service which was held on December 11th and the outpour of people that came was overwhelming. Kevin was a very loved child and always will be. Our plans for the next few months are to raise money for autism and we will be walking in Kevin’s honor at the 2nd Annual Autism walk, we welcome everyone to come out and join us at the walk. Dates will be supplied on Autismspeaks.org as they get closer. I have also written a tribute to Kevin on the same site if anyone would like to visit it and sign his guestbook. Thanks again for everyone’s love and support during our loss. Love you Kevin….
Dear Mr. Don Wilson and Rhonda, thank you so much—more than I can say—-for telling us more about Kevin. it is inspiring to hear about how the Garland community has rallied round in support—Kevin has touched more lives than he may ever have known. I hope that, where he is now, he can feel all the feelings and love for him, and then some.
Thinking of Kevin—–Kristina Chew
As Kevin’s Aunt, you would think I would know what to say, but I don’t.
Kevin was an awe inspiring young man. He amazed me daily with the things he could build with his legos and the things he noted when everyone else thought he was not paying attention. He was very resourceful when he wanted to be. Some of the things he tried to make his escape still boggles my mind. I would never have thought of even half the things that child came up with to use as “tools” to try to get the doors open.
Kevin was our light, our happy-go-lucky, always smiling and singing special angel. I will always ALWAYS remember the smiles and giggles. The way he could make you laugh even when you didn’t feel good by grabbing your face and yelling “Pizza Factory” really loud and then busting out in laughter and running off.
We’ll miss our special angel, but we know he’s in Heaven watching over us and building things with legos to show his grandpa.
Dallas 2nd Annual Walk Now for Autism has been posted, it will be June 14th at The Ballpark in Arlington.
Rhonda,
Please feel our love and support … It’s so great that you are walking in Kevin’s honor. I would like to post this on my blog as well if you don’t mind…
http://parents.com/autismville
Please feel free to do so.
Wondering how the drivers are doing. Have not heard. Kevin was my grandson & I know we really miss him. We are working together to do the Walk for Autism at the Ballpark in Arlington on June 14th. to raise money in his memory & for all kids with autism. Anyone interested in joining the walk or donating to help the kids can go to the Austism Speaks page, & find the Kevin Wilson team. We were truly blessed that God let us have Kevin for 14 years. He was a joy & very amazing boy who could do more things than we knew. He is the newest angel in heaven & I know he is watching & smiling on everyone he knew.
Hi Dolores,
I can’t speak for the other driver because we have had no contact with her, I can only speak for my husband. He has good days and bad days. I know he would like to talk to Kevin’s family but I don’t think he could handle it right now (and I don’t think the insurance company will allow it until everything is settled). We do pray for your family daily and hope to meet you someday soon!
Not sure how many people still check this site. Wanted to let everyone know that we will have a booth for Autism items at the Garland High School Craft Fair on April 25th. We will have autism items, pillow covers, memory frames & other items for sale. Money raised will be donated in Kevin’s memory & for all children that have autism. We are also doing the Autism Walk on June 14th at the ballpark in Arlington. You can go to http://www.walknowforautism.org/dallas to get to the site. You can either start a team or you can join Team KEVIN WILSON. You will find Kevin’s family, Don, Tracy & Sean, Judy, Jason, Lee & Jennifer Styles, Rhonda, Bryan & Nathan Childre, Justin Nitcholas, Nita & Tom Ulaszek, Dolores Wilson. If you would like to join our team we would be happy to have you. If you would rather make a donation, please choose any of Kevin’s family. Appreciate any help to raise as much money for all the kids with autism & in memory of Kevin. Thank you very much & God Bless Everyone.
It is nice to read how both families are doing after this tragic accident. This is also enlightening since my son is finishing fifth grade and entering middle school and I am contemplating the bus for the first time instead of driving him. It is my undertanding his aide would come to my home and ride the bus from here. Good luck with the walks and sale. I am in Los Angeles, otherwise would check it out.
I think we all have our good & bad days. We are all trying our best to keep Kevin’s memory alive by helping other kids with autism. Did not know this story had reached California. Kevin was our happy go luck angel & I know he is watching over everyone & happy that we are helping other kids. Thank you for caring & we will be walking for all kids with autism.
Just a reminder for everyone. We are raising money for Autism. The Autism Walk will be at the Ballpark in Arlington on June 14th. Anyone interested in joing Kevin’s team or starting their own team would be greatly appreciated. You can check out Kevin’s webpage at http://www.walknowforautism.org/dallas- go to register-join team-KEVIN WILSON The kids with autism deserve our help & support. We need to do as much as possible to raise money for research to make sure they find a cure for these kids. Please help us help the kids.
Okay, this is tragic and yes I suppose you have to pinpoint “fault”.. I would like to ask this police force, if this boy was in a wheelchair, would it have been his “fault” then.. These children have a “difference” in the mind where their “circuits” don’t recognize danger…
Is there something about AUTISM AWARENESS and training for law enforcement out their? I autism on all areas of the spectrum is a national epidemic. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that this child didn’t run into traffic because he wanted to. He is disabled. Can we go on that and not claim “fault” since there is not enough awareness the way it is.. Think about the families and the tragic happenings to this young man. Perhaps we can use our high school educations,, you don’t need a PHD for that.. although alot of them don’t get it either..
A law was passed here in NJ to train first responders—-police and other emergency personnel—-about autism. What the training will entail has not been made clear and remains to be seen (this is me speaking cynically).
I saw on the news last nite, think it was Indiana where a special ed bus and a truck of some sort had an accident and four students were killed. Think I will look for my google alert or do a search to get more details as I just remembered it now.
Here is the bus accident link
http://www.wthr.com/Global/story.asp?S=9081202