Family mourns 9-year-old boy hit and killed by car in Austin

CHICAGO (WGN) – What started off as a normal morning quickly turned into a nightmare.

A family said their 9-year-old boy never made it to school Thursday morning after being hit by a car in Austin.

The boy, identified as Anakin Perez, was a fourth grade student at Ronald E. McNair Elementary School. Flowers and candles now mark the spot where the tragedy happened just outside the school building.

“He was just amazing, loving. His sister would joke around and say he’s a momma’s boy, but he really was,” Anakin’s mother Alejandra Gallegos said.

Family and friends were visibly shaken over the incident and spent Thursday evening grieving outside the school.

“He’s a 9-year-old child that gets along with everybody. Everybody knows him around here. For him to not be here anymore, it’s not fair. It’s not fair,” Anakin’s grandmother Valeria Fernandez said.

According to Chicago police, the crash happened at around 7:40 a.m. Thursday.

Police said a woman was driving westbound on Walton Street when she reportedly hit Anakin. Paramedics rushed him to Stroger Hospital where he died from his injuries.

Relatives showed surveillance video of the incident to WGN News, but WGN has decided not to show it due to its graphic nature.

“In the video, it shows he was going to cross the street to say wait, stop, and she still went and she dragged him. She dragged him,” Fernandez said.

The family said they’re now seeking justice for Anakin whom they said brought so much joy to their lives.

Police said charges against the driver are pending and the family said they are hopeful the driver faces consequences.

“A ticket or two or three? You get to pay those tickets. We don’t get to get him back at all,” Anakin’s aunt Anna Perez said.

Grief counselors were also made available at the school on Thursday.

Chicago Public Schools issued the following statement:

“We are devastated to confirm a student’s tragic death in front of their school. Our hearts are heavy with grief for this child as well as concern and deep sympathy for his family and loved ones. Our Safety and Security team and members of our crisis team are at the school to support students and staff and will remain there for however long they are needed. We extend our condolences to this child’s family and friends. Our District and school community mourn this loss of young life.”