Middle school student from upstate New York dies after car crash: “Heartbreaking tragedy”

Grand Island, NY – A middle school student died Wednesday night after being hit by a car in upstate New York.

Leah Mayer, an eighth-grader at Veronica E. Connor Middle School in Grand Island, was identified as the student killed in the crash, Grand Island School Superintendent Brian Graham said.

“We mourn the loss of Leah Mayer, a wonderful soul who touched the lives of many people in our community,” he said.

The accident occurred shortly after 9 p.m. on South Parkway near Broadway, the Erie County Sheriff's Office told WIVB. No further information was immediately released.

Grand Island is an island city about 15 minutes from downtown Buffalo.

The accident happened just one week after school started.

Graham asked the Grand Island community to remember the “incredible light” Leah brought to the people in their lives.

“Leah was selfless, a loyal friend and a constant source of positivity. Her energy seemed to radiate from within and she was known as a 'voice' for others, always ready to stand up and support those around her,” he wrote in a Facebook post. “Her presence will be greatly missed, but her spirit will continue to inspire all who knew her.”

The Grand Island Central School District offers grief counseling and other support services to middle and high school students, faculty and staff.

In a message to the public released today, the superintendent reported that photos and videos of the accident were being shared on social media.

“These images are deeply disturbing and have caused great sadness and emotional responses among our students and community members,” Graham said.

The school principal urged parents to prevent their children from engaging with or sharing disturbing content.