PEABODY — The Essex County District Attorney’s Office and Peabody police are investigating the death of a 13-year-old Peabody boy who was struck by a car Tuesday night while attempting to cross Route 114 (Andover Street) on a bicycle.
Peabody Police responded to reports of a crash at 8:45 p.m. in front of the Walgreens Plaza. The boy’s name is being withheld at the request of his next of kin in order to make a complete family notification, according to the Essex District Attorney’s office.
Peabody School Superintendent Cara Murtagh declined to identify the boy or the school he attended.
“We are saddened by the great loss to our school community and we are respecting the families wishes for privacy at this most difficult time. Please keep the family in your thoughts,” she said.
According to the Peabody police log for Tuesday evening, the driver initially left the accident scene before returning and being transported by police officers to the station.
The boy was initially taken to Salem Hospital before being transported to Boston Children’s Hospital.
The operator of the vehicle, a 19-year-old Peabody man, is cooperating with the investigation and has not been charged at this time, according to the DA’s statement.
The crash remains under investigation by Peabody Police and Massachusetts State Police Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Section.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of the victim at this incredibly difficult time,” the Essex DA quoted Peabody Police Chief Thomas Griffin.
