Teen dies after crash

Friend in serious condition

By Kelly Foreman

A 13-year-old Clark-Moores Middle School student has died following an accident Monday night on the Eastern Bypass.

Elizabeth “Lizzie” Charles, an eighth-grade, passed away about 11 a.m. Tuesday in the University of Kentucky Medical Center. She was flown to the hospital Monday night after being struck by a car. Charles died as a result of injuries she suffered in the accident, Richmond Police Public Affairs Officer Willard Reardon said Tuesday.

About 9:05 p.m. Monday, Charles and another female juvenile attempted to cross the Bypass on foot at the intersection of Porter Drive in Richmond. The female driver of a silver Ford Focus was driving west-bound on the Bypass and struck both girls. Reardon said the driver’s name had not been released Tuesday.

“According to witnesses and the driver, the preliminary indication is that the driver had the green light and they ran out in front of her,” Reardon said Monday night. “She couldn’t stop.”

The female crossing the road with Charles reportedly suffered a concussion and other serious injuries, but RPD Maj. Eddie Goode said he did not believe her injuries were life-threatening. The girl, who is reportedly 15 years old, is being cared for at UK and is a Madison Central student. Her name is not being released because of her age.

Goode said Charles, who lived at 245 Maryland Drive in Richmond, and her friend were attempting to cross the Bypass to get to the other juvenile’s home on Geri Lane.

“Why they stepped out there like that is yet to be determined,” Goode said.

The Focus driver was not injured in the crash and Reardon said no further information was available about her Tuesday. She was alone in the vehicle a the time of the crash.

Madison County Schools Director of Student Services Steve Gamble said Charles’ family asked that no information be released about the teen. A letter was sent home with students Tuesday to inform parents about the tragedy.

Gamble said a crisis team was at the school Tuesday under the direction of Dr. Connie Adams to talk with students. Other guidance counselors, family resource and youth service directors are on standby to assist students and teachers dealing with grief.

“The Madison County School System, Clark-Moores School and the Richmond Police express our deepest sympathy to the family of Elizabeth Charles,” Reardon said.

The accident reconstructionist team is working to investigate the case under Goode’s direction. Goode said he does not anticipate any charges to be filed against the driver.

Kelly Foreman can be reached at kforeman@richmondregister.com or 624-6694.

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