A seventh-grader was hit and killed by a car in front of her twin sister as the two walked to school Monday morning on Long Island, school officials said.
The Elmont Memorial Junior-Senior High School student had gotten off the bus and was making her way to class at about 7:30 a.m. when she was hit by a car, according to district officials. She was pronounced dead soon after.
Police said 12-year-old Gabrielle Johnson was walking to school and tried to cross the street with two other girls against the traffic signal. She was not in a crosswalk when she was struck, they added.
Gabrielle's twin witnessed the horrifying crash, according to the girls' older sister.
"We're devastated, we're extremely devastated," the older sister, Paula Johnson, told NBC 4 New York. "We lost our little brother in 2002 from a drunk driver, and now Gabby's gone."
Philip Toussaint told NBC 4 New York he was on his way to work when he saw the girls begin to cross the street. He said he looked down at his phone, then looked up to a brutal scene.
"I heard the impact of the accident — the car hitting the girl, he said. "Then I looked up and I actually saw the girl's body flying through the air."
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The driver, 38, stayed at the scene after the impact and isn't expected to face charges.
"We are extremely saddened to learn of the tragic passing of a 7th grade student," district Supt. Ralph Ferrie said.
