Kindergarten student struck and killed by vehicle backing down driveway, sheriff’s office says

JEFFERSON COUNTY, Ala. (WBRC/Gray News) - A child who was struck by a vehicle in Alabama on Tuesday night has died, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office.

The coroner said 6-year-old Hunter Spanier, of Center Point, died Wednesday night at Children’s of Alabama hospital in Birmingham.

He was a kindergarten student at Chalkville Elementary.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office said deputies were dispatched just after 6:30 p.m. Tuesday to the 700 block of 27th Avenue NE in Center Point for a report of a child who had been struck by a car.

Hunter was accidentally struck by the vehicle as it was backing down the driveway of a home, according to the sheriff’s office.

He was initially transported to Children’s of Alabama with life-threatening injuries, but later died.

The Jefferson County Sheriff’s Traffic Accident Reconstruction Team is continuing to conduct an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

At this point in the investigation, it does not appear that any criminal activity was associated with the incident.

Hunter’s school had counselors on hand for students and faculty earlier in the week.

Dr. Walter Gonsoulin, superintendent of Jefferson County Schools, said in a statement, “We are heartbroken and extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Chalkville Elementary student Hunter Spanier. Hunter’s principal describes him as always having a smile on his face, and that his presence would light up the room. The JEFCOED Family grieves with Hunter’s loved ones, his friends, and his teachers, as they deal with this unimaginable loss. My prayers are with them all, and we will do everything we can to support them in the coming days.”

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