A 14-year-old boy was hit and killed while riding his bike along Palm Beach Boulevard in Fort Myers, leaving family, friends, and former teachers mourning his loss.
Nicole Rizzo, the boy's former third-grade teacher at Orange River Elementary, expressed her grief over the loss.
"We had a really rough day yesterday at Orange River Elementary, myself included. You know, I cried in front of my students," Rizzo said.
She described the boy as someone who loved being a classroom helper and was preparing to enter high school.
"I was blessed to have the year with him," she said.
Rizzo shared the impact of the tragedy on the boy's family, who still attend her school.
"I mean, absolutely devastating to have to see them in the hall and talk to them and know the pain they're going through," she said.
A memorial has been started at the site of the accident, with candles and balloons marking the spot where the boy died. As the evening progressed, the memorial grew, showing the community's support and shared grief. Even those who did not know the young man felt the pain of his loss.
The Fort Myers Police Department reported that the boy was not wearing a helmet or riding on the sidewalk when he was struck by a car.
"This should never have happened. You know, this is a 14-year-old boy ready to live his life. He doesn't get to know his family, doesn't get to see him again," Rizzo said.
Police confirmed that speed was not a factor in the crash, and the driver involved did not receive a ticket.
The investigation into the traffic homicide continues as authorities work to confirm the teen's identity.