Police: 7-year-old hit by car in DeKalb County dies

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. - A 7-year-old boy struck by a car along a busy roadway in DeKalb County Tuesday has died.

The accident happened along North Decatur Road near North Indian Creek Road around 3 p.m. DeKalb County Police said the driver which struck the child stopped at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.

Police said the boy, identified as William Townsend, was wearing a backpack at the time, but the incident is not school-related.

"This was not school related. The child was by himself and just happened to dart across the road. There's a hill and so, when the driver was coming up over the hill, the child was on the other side of that hill and when the driver was coming over, it was too late to stop and the child was struck," said Shiera Campbell, DeKalb County Police Department.

Townsend was rushed to the hospital in critical condition shortly after the accident. Word on the little boy’s death came just after 7 p.m.

DeKalb County Schools sent FOX 5 News this statement about the incident:

"We are heartbroken that one of our students, a 7-year-old just beginning his life, passed tragically this evening. Our thoughts are with his family and the Dunaire Elementary community during this difficult time. We will offer support to students and staff in the coming days, and will stand with them in support."

Officials have not yet released the identity of the child or the driver.