SANFORD, Fla. – An 11-year-old boy was struck and killed by a vehicle over the weekend, according to Seminole County school officials.
Sanford police said the crash happened Saturday evening at the intersection of 25 Street and Hartwell Avenue. Michael Jordan-Benfer, who was a sixth grade student at Sanford Middle School, was taken to a hospital in critical condition and died due to his injuries, according to police.
“We understand the grieving process is complicated and that students and staff will react in different ways to the sad news. We should all expect and try to understand that there will be a variety of emotions and reactions. The most important thing we can do is be supportive and encourage the open expression of feeling,” principal Byron Durias wrote in a letter to the campus community.
Investigators said it does not appear the driver was at fault.
Seminole County Public Schools spokesman Michael Lawrence said grief counselors will be available for students and staff after Thanksgiving break. The counselors will be on campus for as long as necessary, Lawrence said in an email.
“We are deeply saddened to learn about the loss of one of our Sanford Middle School students," Lawrence said in a statement. “Our thoughts are with the student’s family during this very difficult time.”