A high school senior from Bartow County was hit by a vehicle and killed Saturday morning while he was walking near the school he attended, the Georgia State Patrol said.

Larry Gardner, 17, was hit from behind near Adairsville High School on Old Ga. 41, according to a GSP statement.

“Larry was preparing to participate in his final band competition this morning when he was involved in a tragic accident near the AHS campus,” according to a post on the school’s Facebook page.

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A Dodge Durango driven by Nixon Sellers, 31, of Adairsville, was southbound about 7:35 a.m. when it hit Gardner with the left part of its front bumper, according to the GSP. It is not known whether Gardner was in the road or on the shoulder when he was hit.

“Larry was a talented young man who had an infectious personality and a passion for life. His impact on our students and staff is immeasurable,” the school’s post read.

“Multiple AHS families were directly impacted by this accident, and we ask that everyone keep both in your thoughts and prayers.”

The incident is under investigation.

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In other news:

The defense tried to get the case thrown out Friday.