15-year-old pedestrian killed in bus crash in La Porte

LA PORTE, Ind. - A 15-year-old was killed in a crash with a school bus in La Porte on Friday, according to the City of La Porte Police Department.

The incident happened just after 4 p.m. at the intersection of Michigan and South avenues.

According to police, the student, identified by the coroner's office as Julien Hernandez, was riding a scooter on a sidewalk when he crossed the intersection and hit the school bus as it was making a righthand turn onto Michigan Avenue from South Avenue.

It was raining at the time of the crash.

There were passengers on the bus at the time.

Hernandez was a 10th grader at La Porte High School. 

The La Porte Community School Corporation released the following statement:

"We are deeply saddened to confirm the tragic loss of a tenth-grade student at La Porte High School. This loss has greatly impacted our community, and our thoughts and hearts are with the student's family and friends during this incredibly difficult time. In times like these, it's natural to seek to understand the circumstances surrounding such a tragic accident. However, out of respect for the privacy of the student's family and the ongoing investigation by law enforcement, additional details are not ours to share.

Our primary focus is to provide support to our students, staff, and families affected by this tragedy and ensure they have all the resources necessary during the grieving process. We would like to express gratitude to our team of teachers, counselors, and social workers, as well as the additional staff from Swanson Center and New Prairie United School Corporation for supporting our school community as we mourn this heartbreaking loss."