Grief Counselors Assist Simi Valley Students, Teachers Mourning Loss Of Fourth Grader

SIMI VALLEY (CBSLA.com) — Grief counselors assisted Simi Valley students and teachers Friday who are affected by the tragic death of their fourth grade peer.

The boy died Thursday afternoon after he was struck by an SUV outside of Madera Elementary School on Royal Avenue, according to the Simi Valley Police Department.

Paramedics transported the fourth-grader to Robles Hospital in critical condition for treatment of severe head injuries. Several hours later, he was taken off life support and subsequently passed away.

Family members have identified the victim as Angel, according to CBS2's Greg Mills.

They have issued a written statement that reads in part: "The Hoke family would like to thank our family, friends and community for their amazing outpouring of love and support in our time of grief. The loss of our beloved Angel was a tragic accident and he will be missed by all that were touched by his life.

Preston Foster, a family friend who works with Angel's father, told Mills he would stop in the garage everyday to chat with him.

Angel is survived by his parents, his sister Gigi and a baby of six months.

A preliminary investigation revealed the cause of the collision surrounds a game of pushing along a sidewalk.

Angel appeared to have fallen into the roadway in front of oncoming traffic, according to police.

"I saw the accident and pulled over," said Carlos Cano, a witness to the scene. "I ran to the kid. It was like there was nothing you could do and that was the worst thing."

According to Mills, the victim's sister watched the tragic accident unfold at the scene.

Police said the driver was traveling at a low rate of speed and tried to avoid hitting him.

The investigation is ongoing.