Vigil Held For Sarasota Child Killed On Way To School

SARASOTA, FL — The family of 9-year-old Roman Miller, who was killed Monday on his way to Brentwood Elementary in Sarasota, said they are "heartbroken" over the tragedy. The family held a vigil at the school late Thursday afternoon.

"He was a kind, loving, polite, energetic, generous and caring little boy who loved his family, friends and animals very much," the child's family said in a statement released through Sarasota County Schools.

The vigil was held at 6 p.m. Thursday (May 23) at Brentwood Elementary. The family encouraged people to wear green as they honored the child.

"Roman loved going to school and we are grateful to hold a service for his school and community," the family explained.

Community members have created a makeshift memorial near the spot where the child was struck on his bicycle by a pickup truck as he was crossing Nodosa Drive in a crosswalk along Webber Street.

"For those who contributed to the memorial along Webber, thank you," the family acknowledged. "We ask that you use caution when visiting the site — we are concerned for your safety and ask that you not stand in the middle of Webber Street."

A GoFundMe was started for the Miller family while Sarasota County School Superintendent Todd Bowden visited with staff and children at Brentwood following the child's death.

"We would like to thank everyone at Brentwood Elementary and the community for their outpouring of support," the family said. "We also want to acknowledge the first responders, firefighters, paramedics, doctors and nurses who treated our son with respect and care."

The family also thanked everyone who contributed to the GoFundMe and Meal Train accounts, Friends of the family will be hosting a June 2 fundraiser at Big Top Brewery while Brentwood Elementary is accepting donations at the school. The GoFundMe raised $13,880 as of Thursday morning.

"We feel so blessed for everyone’s generosity and support," the Miller family said. "We thank you for your continued good wishes and prayers and appreciate your respect for our privacy during this difficult time."

A spokeswoman for Sarasota County Schools has said that a district crisis team was being made available throughout the week for students and staff members who needed to talk to someone.

No charges had been filed against the driver as of Thursday. She was identified as 25-year-old Charity Kathy Lamb of Sarasota. Florida Highway Patrol said alcohol was not suspected.

The incident remains under investigation. Click here to make a donation through GoFundMe.