Dunstan School Mourns 8th Grader Killed In Lakewood Car Accident

LAKEWOOD, CO – As students and teachers return to Lakewood's Dunstan Middle School, they are mourning the death of a 13-year-old student who was killed Sunday night in Lakewood while crossing Wadsworth Boulevard.

Angelina Thompson, an eighth-grader at Dunstan, was struck by a car at South Wadsworth Boulevard and West Virginia Avenue at around 6:20 p.m., police said. Passersby and the driver stopped to help, but Angelina died at the scene.

A GoFundMe online fundraiser for funeral expenses has been set up by relatives.

"Please support Angelina's memory, and her mother Salina, Patti, & family," Shawn Clark wrote."They are incredible, giving people who deserve our love and support to get through this devastating time."

Dunstan Principal Jen Kirksey said "mental health supports" would be available at school Tuesday.

Kirksey described the death of the student as "a profound loss…there are no words."

"Angelina Thompson was doing what 8th graders do -- having fun with her friends at Belmar," the principal wrote. "She was tragically killed on Wadsworth Blvd., when she accidentally stepped in front of a car. " She described Angelina as "a very sweet girl, always had a smile on her face, and was a friend to students and staff alike."

"Losing a young life is incredibly heartbreaking, and this is likely the first time many of our students will be dealing with a death of a classmate," she wrote.

Kirksey offered parents resources for students struggling with grief and asked them to call:

• Jefferson Center for Mental Health website or 303.425.0300
• Colorado Crisis Service website or hotline 1.844.493.8255

Police said Angelina was crossing the street without the "walk" symbol when she was hit by a car driving southbound "as she attempted to make it across Wadsworth." The driver stopped and remained on scene and will likely not be charged, police said. Alcohol and drugs were not thought to be a factor in the crash.

Principal Kirksey said the school would notify parents about any memorial service for Angelina. The school PTA will begin to collect cards and food donations on Thursday, the PTA's Facebook page said.

"I’m amazed daily by the deep bond the Green Mountain community shares, and we will do whatever is needed to support our students, staff, and community during this difficult time. Whatever you need, or if you see another struggling, no matter what, reach out and we will support you," she wrote.

GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.

Images via GofundMe, JeffCo School District.

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