Dakota High School student killed by student driver while walking to school

Victoria Cartwright killed crossing Heydenreich Road

MACOMB TOWNSHIP, Mich. – A 14-year-old Dakota High School student died Friday morning after she was hit by a vehicle while crossing the street in Macomb Township.

Victoria Cartwright was killed while crossing Heydenreich Road.

Authorities said a 2016 Jeep Wrangler driven by a 16-year-old Macomb Township girl was southbound and struck Cartwright. The driver and her 16-year-old passenger were on their way to Dakota High School.

Cartwright was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

Officials told Local 4 the driver who hit Cartwright stayed at the scene after the incident.

A friend who grew up with Cartwright said she was very energetic and sweet. Cartwright's mother said her daughter was a loving person.

"Victoria Cartwright will be remembered as a creative, artistic student who had her own unique sense of style," Principal Paul Sibley said in a statement. "She was a neat young lady with a kind heart and a bright smile. Victoria was well-liked by her peers and the Dakota faculty. She often talked about her strong family relationships, especially the one she shared with her mother and brother. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends. She will be missed by many."

Superintendent Ron Roberts released the following statement to parents:

"It is with great sadness that we share the devastating news of a terrible accident that occurred in our school community this morning. A Dakota 10th-grade student crossing Heydenreich Road on her way to school was struck by a car operated by another student. Tragically, the student struck by the car has died from her injuries.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the parents, families and friends of both these Dakota students. Please join us in our efforts as we provide support to their families and friends during this most difficult time.

"In the coming days, we know there will be students and members of our school community in need of grief support. Please be assured that Dakota High School has trained counselors, social workers and school psychologists ready to assist students and their families for as long as they may be needed. Families can contact the school office or their child’s school counselor for help and assistance."

Local 4's Lauren Podell was at the scene:

 

Heydenreich Road was closed between 21 Mile and 22 Mile roads after the crash, but reopened around 1 p.m.

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A crisis team is at the school offering counseling to students and faculty.

Students wore white at Friday night's football game in memory of Cartwright and the family of Victoria have set up a GoFundMe account to help with funeral expenses.

On Wednesday, there's visitation at the Immanuel Lutheran Church at 47120 Romeo Plank at 21 Mile Road at 10:30 a.m., followed by the funeral at 11:30 a.m.

Stay with Local 4 and ClickonDetroit.com for traffic updates.


About the Authors:

Derick is the Lead Digital Editor for ClickOnDetroit and has been with Local 4 News since April 2013. Derick specializes in breaking news, crime and local sports.