Nationwide — Jacob Robinson, an 11-year-old African American boy from Taylor, Michigan, was killed after being hit by a car while walking to a nearby store for snacks. His mother sensed something was wrong when she heard emergency sirens and couldn’t reach him.
Jacob left his home on Tuesday evening, February 10, hoping to grab some snacks before it got dark. His mother, Tonoya Robinson, said she told him to hurry back, but soon grew worried when her calls went unanswered.
Police from the Taylor Police Department received an emergency call around 6:37 p.m. about a child struck by a vehicle near Pond Village Drive and Eureka Road. Officers arrived quickly and tried life-saving measures at the scene, but Jacob died shortly after being taken to a nearby hospital.
According to People, authorities said the driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with police. Alcohol or drugs are not suspected, and the crash remains under investigation. Jacob was not in a crosswalk at the time of the accident.
Jacob was a sixth-grade student at Ecorse Public Schools. The district expressed condolences and said grief counseling would be offered to students and staff. His family and siblings are receiving support as the community mourns.
A GoFundMe has been set up to help cover funeral costs and other expenses. It has so far raised more than $12,000.