An 11-year-old boy was killed on Halloween night after he was hit by a car in the East Lake neighborhood of southeast Atlanta.
The child was trick-or-treating with friends on Memorial Drive near East Lake Golf Club when he was struck about 8:20 p.m. Sunday, according to Atlanta police. He was taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The boy was identified as Devonne “DJ” David, a sixth grader at KIPP WAYS Academy.
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
Credit: Channel 2 Action News
“The issue was the 11-year-old took off from the group and ran across Memorial Drive,” police Capt. Jeff Cantin told the news station from the scene. “It’s a sad situation. I feel for the family ... We’re going to do what we can to assist the family in this time.”
The driver who hit David stayed at the scene to speak with officers, according to police. While the incident remains under investigation, Cantin said no charges are anticipated against the driver.
“Devonne is beloved by his peers and teachers for his outgoing and charismatic personality that lit up every room,” KIPP Metro Atlanta Schools spokeswoman Crystal Nasir said in a statement. “This is a devastating tragedy, and our counseling and social work teams have been a source of emotional support for students and staff as we process this painful loss. In the coming days, we will come together as a community to determine the best way to memorialize the loss of our brilliant and beautiful scholar. We will continue to extend our love, compassion, prayers and support to Devonne’s family.”
— Please return to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution for updates.
About the Author
