Boy On Bicycle Fatally Struck By Vehicle In Downtown Jersey City

JERSEY CITY, NJ — A boy on a bicycle was struck and killed by a vehicle in a residential neighborhood of Jersey City on Friday, officials said.

[UPDATE: Vigil Planned For Sunday For Jersey City Boy, 6, Killed On Bicycle]

The child was struck just before 4 p.m. in the area of Jersey Avenue and Sixth Street, said city police spokeswoman Kim Wallace-Scalcione on Friday evening.

"Upon arrival, responding officers found a juvenile with serious bodily injuries who had been struck by a vehicle," Wallace-Scalcione said.

The boy was pronounced dead at 4:03 p.m.

The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and has been cooperative, she said.

No charges have been filed at this time, she said, and the investigation is ongoing.

The boy was identified later as a 6-year-old who lives in the neighborhood.

Officials took to social media to express condolences late Friday.

"Today, a child was struck and killed by a driver on the corner of 6th and Jersey," said Councilman James Solomon in a message. "We're working directly with local authorities to gather more information, and our office will share more as soon as we can — but for now as parents of young children, Gaby and I are horrified and heartbroken."

Assemblywoman Jessica Ramirez wrote, "Horrified to learn that a child was killed doing something every child should feel safe doing—riding their bike. Just being a kid. I can’t begin to imagine the heartbreak this family is experiencing. We must do more to make our streets safer especially for our children. My heart is with the family and everyone affected by this unimaginable tragedy."

'Beyond Painful'

Hudson County Commissioner Bill O'Dea said, "On behalf of Team O’Dea, I’m absolutely heartbroken to hear about the child who was fatally struck by a vehicle today at 6th and Jersey Ave. I would ask all of Jersey City to keep the family in our prayers as we wait for more information on this tragedy."

Mayoral candidate and former Gov. Jim McGreevey said, "The tragic loss of a young child bicycling in Jersey City is beyond painful. For his family and loved ones, I pray for strength and consolation."

Reports online suggested that the boy had been hit by a delivery van and that his father was with him when he was hit.

Many community members responded on social media by asking for safer streets and better enforcement.

Local resident Eric Conner wrote on social media, "Despite all the progress to make our streets safer, drivers are a real threat and the inability to enforce the rules of the road makes Jersey City's roads even more dangerous. I am heartbroken. Pray for this boy and his family."

The densely packed, quiet neighborhood is near historic Hamilton Park, a popular place for kids to play, and less than a mile west of the waterfront.

Wallace-Scalcione said anyone with information is asked to contact the JCPD tip line at policetips@njjcps.org or call 855-JCP-TIPS (8477).