News Summary
A heartbreaking incident occurred in Dallas when nine-year-old Jose Ledesma was killed by a pickup truck while crossing near Felix Botello Elementary School. Jose was hit as he was leaving school with his twin sister, Keyla, who suffered serious injuries. Community members are mourning the loss and advocating for enhanced safety measures around the school as concerns about roadside safety grow. A vigil is planned to commemorate Jose’s memory, highlighting the tight-knit nature of the local community.
Dallas – A tragic incident unfolded on Thursday afternoon when a 9-year-old boy was killed after being struck by a pickup truck while crossing Marsalis Avenue, near Felix Botello Elementary School. The boy, identified as Jose Ledesma, was crossing the street with his twin sister, Keyla, and another student after an early school dismissal marking the end of the academic year.
The hit-and-run accident occurred as the children were making their way home from the school. Jose was pronounced dead at the scene, while his sister Keyla suffered severe injuries, including a broken leg and hip. An 11-year-old classmate who was also involved in the accident was rushed to the hospital and reported to have serious but non-life-threatening injuries.
Initial reports indicate that the children were not utilizing a crosswalk when they entered the roadway, although Jose and Keyla’s mother stated that she made sure to look both ways before they crossed. The Dallas Police Department is treating the case as a traffic fatality investigation, with preliminary findings suggesting that speed did not contribute to the incident. The driver of the pickup truck remained at the scene and has not faced any arrests as of this time.
Community Response and Support
The devastating loss has sent ripples throughout the community, prompting school staff to be stationed along Marsalis Avenue to deter students from crossing without using designated crosswalks and to encourage the use of crossing guards. The Dallas Independent School District had arranged for an early dismissal on that day, allowing students to finish their school year earlier than usual.
As the community mourns, plans for a vigil in memory of Jose have been organized for Friday evening at 7 PM. Parents and local residents have expressed their grief, reflecting on the close-knit nature of the Botello Elementary community, where many know each other personally.
Concern for Safety Measures
Parents have raised concerns regarding the safety measures in place near the school following the tragic event. Some parents noted a concern about the insufficient number of crossing guards, with only one stationed in the vicinity, and the absence of speed bumps on Marsalis Avenue. These observations have stirred discussions among parents about the need for improved road safety measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.
About Jose Ledesma
Jose Ledesma had celebrated his ninth birthday in April. He was remembered as a vibrant child who enjoyed playing soccer, particularly idolizing Lionel Messi, and loved dancing. His mother described him as her “angel” and “greatest love,” emphasizing the joy he brought to their lives.
The community stands in solidarity with the Ledesma family during this heartbreaking time, finding comfort in shared memories and collective support for those affected by this tragic accident.
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Additional Resources
- NBC DFW
- CBS News
- Fox 4 News
- Joel A. Gordon
- Sweet Law
- Wikipedia: Traffic Safety
- Google Search: pedestrian accidents near schools
- Google Scholar: traffic safety measures
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety
- Google News: traffic accident dallas
