Teen with autism killed in car accident after going missing from Long Island school.
A tragic incident has unfolded in Long Island, where a 15-year-old boy with autism, Christopher Williams, lost his life after being struck by a vehicle on the Southern State Parkway in Valley Stream. The boy had been reported missing from his school just prior to the accident, leading his family to demand accountability from the educational institution.
Christopher, a resident of St. Albans, was found walking along the parkway near Exit 13 shortly after 1 p.m. on Thursday when he was hit by an eastbound car. Emergency services transported him to Franklin General Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The Martin De Porres School, a special education facility in Elmont, where Christopher was enrolled, reported him missing before the collision occurred. According to family members, staff members contacted the boy’s mother to inquire about his whereabouts, unaware that he had already left the premises. His sister, Danecia Lewis, expressed her grief over the situation and held the school responsible for their failure to safeguard her brother. She highlighted the devastating impact of the incident, stating that their lives have been irrevocably changed.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, a GoFundMe campaign was launched to assist with funeral expenses, further illustrating the family’s profound loss. The timeline of events surrounding Christopher’s departure from school remains unclear, and the school has not yet issued a response regarding the incident.
This incident gained additional context following a similar event that occurred just a day prior in Nassau County, where a 5-year-old kindergarten student at Riverside Elementary School, also diagnosed with autism, managed to leave the school unattended. The boy reportedly climbed a fence and walked home alone, managing to navigate through both residential and main roads for over ten minutes. Thankfully, he arrived home unharmed, but the situation prompted the Rockville Centre School District to reassess security protocols.
The district announced plans to retrain staff on supervision practices, improve headcount procedures, and review campus security measures, including fencing and gate access. In a letter addressing the community, Superintendent Matthew Gaven emphasized the commitment to student safety and the need for continued vigilance.
These incidents have raised significant concerns about supervision and security protocols at schools, particularly for vulnerable student populations. As investigations continue, the family of Christopher Williams seeks both answers and a thorough examination of the circumstances surrounding their son’s tragic death.
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