Child hit, killed by vehicle in Clark County after looking both ways, OSP says

CLARK COUNTY — A 7-year-old boy who had crossed Ballentine Pike to get the mail for his mom was hit and killed by a vehicle as he crossed to return home, said Lt. B.K. Aller, Springfield Post Commander, Ohio State Highway Patrol.

Gabriel Oliver’s mother was watching when the Chevy Trailblazer, headed east on Ballentine, hit him, Aller said.

Aller said the boy looked both ways before starting into the road. The accident was reported about 3:42 p.m.

“I don’t know if he just didn’t see the car, but he ran out right in front of the vehicle,” Aller said.

Gabriel did not attend Northwestern Schools, but counselors will be made available for anyone who knew him, Aller said

The driver was 58-year-old Bruce Goodwin of North Hampton, Aller said, and the state patrol is checking whether speed or distraction were factors. There were signs at the scene that Goodwin took evasive action. He is fully cooperating with law enforcement, Aller said.

This is the second fatal crash involving pedestrians in the last seven days in Clark County. A 23-year-old pregnant woman in South Charleston was hit and killed Aug. 27 as she was walking her dogs.

“All motorists are encouraged to be vigilant for others sharing the roadways in motor vehicles and on foot,” Aller said.

“This weekend is the last summer holiday of the season, please buckle up and eliminate distractions while you travel,” he said.

The accident involving Gabriel is the 11th fatal crash in the county this year, according to the state patrol.

Gabriel did not attend Northwestern Schools, but counselors will be made available for anyone who knew him, Aller said.

A traffic accident reconstruction team kept Ballentine Pike closed for more than two hours.

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