Denton Eyes Pedestrian Safety After Student Death

Denton city leaders are taking a close look at pedestrian safety following an incident that took the life of a local high school student.

Police said 16-year-old Corey West was hit by a Jeep while crossing Loop 288 at McKinney Street Sunday at about 7:30 p.m. West later died at Denton Regional Medical Center from his injuries.

The driver of the Jeep stopped and remained at the scene, and police said the person did not appear to be under the influence of any substances.

As of Tuesday morning, Denton Police Public Information Officer Ryan Grelle said the investigation into the incident continued, but detectives did not have any further findings to release at the time.

The incident again raised some concerns about pedestrian safety in the growing community.

City Bicycle and Pedestrian Coordinator Julie Anderson said she's awaiting the police department's findings on the incident to see if there's something specific that needs to be improved at that intersection, but so far, just looking at past incidents there, it has not been an overly problematic spot.

The intersection is controlled with traffic lights and a crosswalk.

Anderson was hired by the city last year to oversee the walking and biking community in town and find ways to create a friendlier, safer environment on that front.

Her appointment came just after an incident in January 2015 where 23-year-old Texas Woman's University student Brenna Taylor was hit and killed crossing Bell Avenue.

Since then Anderson said they've looked at opportunities to improve pedestrian infrastructure like sidewalks and crosswalks, but the main focus has been to educate both drivers and walkers about how to more safely interact with one another.

She said anytime an incident happens between a vehicle and a pedestrian, especially a fatal one, it hits hard for her and forces her and the community to put focus on this serious topic One death or accident is too many, she said.

"This kid was so young, it's really hard to deal with. So that's when we want to say, well, what can we do in the future?" said Anderson.

West was a JV basketball player at Denton Guyer High School, where Denton Independent School District leaders said it's been difficult for many students and staff members as they mourn the death of their close friend. Counselors were on hand Tuesday to help those students cope.

In addition, District Communications Director Mario Zavala said the basketball team is scheduled to play at home against Keller at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, and West's teammates were planning to hold a moment of silence in his honor. Also, team parents were preparing red carnations and other memorials in West's honor.

Cindy Bird, whose son plays on the team, said the players and coaches are heartbroken over the loss, and the parents are trying to do what they can to help.

She said West was like a son to her and many other moms, and that he could always be seen walking around Denton with a smile on his face.

"Everywhere he went, he walked," she said. "He'd never ask for a ride."

Friends have also started a GoFundMe page for West's family, which, as of Tuesday afternoon, had raised more than $10,000.