Student hit by vehicle

A Monroe Intermediate School student was struck by a car Monday morning while using the crosswalk.

According to a Green River Police Department press release, at about 7:20 a.m. officers of the GRPD and employees of Castle Rock Ambulance responded to the area of Monroe Avenue and Bramwell Street, in reference to a child being struck by a vehicle.

A 12-year-old male student, who attends school at the Monroe Sixth Grade Campus, located at the old Expedition Academy building, was crossing Monroe Avenue from south to north while using the crosswalk.

Detective Luke Benson said the school zone speed limit flashing lights were on; and a crossing guard was in the crosswalk with an orange cone in the roadway and a hand-held stop sign deployed at the time of the accident.

“Everything you could have to safeguard to prevent that from happening was in place,” Benson said.

Despite all of the safety precautions, the boy was struck by a vehicle driven by Joshua Melanson, 27, of Green River, who was traveling westbound on Monroe Avenue. After the collision, Melanson got out of his vehicle and checked on the boy. He was cited for obedience to authorized persons directing traffic, a misdemeanor.

Benson said the child was responsive and checked on scene by Castle Rock Ambulance personnel. He was then transported to Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County with unknown injuries.

“He was doing everything right; and as far as I know the crossing guard was as well,” MIS principal AJ Nathan said.

Nathan said after the accident, an announcement was made to all at MIS to let them know what happened. He said he also wanted to make sure students knew that their classmate was doing everything right.

He was in the crosswalk and crossing when the crossing guard was out.

Benson said he did not know whether or not the driver was speeding, but wanted to remind residents to slow down and use extra caution when driving in a school zone. Look for pedestrians, crossing guards and flashing lights. He also suggested drivers put the cellular phones away. Do not text or talk on the cell phone while driving because it is very distracting.

“Give the roadway your undivided attention,” Benson said.

Nathan agrees with Benson.

“Drivers need to be more aware, especially when road conditions are less than optimal,” Nathan said.

Nathan, who was concerned about the student, went to the MHSC to check on the student.

“I went to the hospital and visited him there and he was in really good condition,” Nathan said.

In fact, later that same day the boy stopped by the school to let his friends know he was OK and to pick up assignments. Nathan did not know whether or not the boy was in school Tuesday, but he did say he was probably pretty sore.