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Boy, 17, Killed In Granada Hills Crash Was Kennedy High School Student

GRANADA HILLS (CBSLA.com) — A 17-year-old boy was killed when his bicycle was struck by a vehicle in Granada Hills.

The accident occurred shortly after 3:15 p.m. Wednesday in the 16200 block of West San Fernando Mission Boulevard.

The victim, whose name was withheld, was described as a student of John F. Kennedy High School, according to the LAUSD.

Friends identified the victim as Philo Ragni, although police have not confirmed his identity.

Friends told KCAL9's Andrea Fujii the deceased was always happy but had experienced a difficult year as his mom recently died.

"I saw him today too with a big smile on his face. He was on his way to a friend's house," an unidentified boy said.

Police said the teen was on his bike, without a helmet, riding south on Woodley Avenue when he made a turn into the path of an LADWP truck.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

After the crash, the LADWP issued a statement extending heartfelt sympathies to the family and loved ones of the deceased.

A spokesman for the LADWP said the city worker is a construction engineer and was on duty at the time. Police said he was cooperative and passed a sobriety test.

As Fujii reports, the victim's family remained at the accident scene. They were too emotional to speak on camera.

Grief counselors are expected to be at the school Thursday morning.

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