Family of boy hit by minivan wants safety improvements

By Erin Dostal

Tuesday, May 4, 2010 | 9:17 p.m.

The family of a 13-year-old boy who was killed last week spoke before the Henderson City Council on Tuesday night, asking officials to improve safety measures at the corner where the teen was hit by a minivan.

Nathaniel Miller of Henderson was riding a bicycle to B. Mahlon Brown Junior High School at about 7 a.m. on April 26 when he was hit by a white Toyota Sienna minivan.

The incident happened near Warm Springs Road and Pueblo Boulevard, said Henderson Police spokesman Keith Paul.

Miller’s aunt, Alisha Abramson, said “he did what he was taught, to be in the crosswalk. He was not protected.”

The driver of the minivan, Ki Fung, 56, wasn’t injured, police said. The investigation into the accident is ongoing.

Mayor Andy Hafen suggested that the family contact the Henderson Police Department, which is in charge of crossing guards in the city.

“We know this is a tragedy, and if there is any good that can come out of a bad situation, I think our city can do better because of that,” Hafen said. “Let’s take a look at what we’re doing.”

Debbi Wythe of Henderson is Miller’s great aunt. Wythe, who has six grandchildren she walks to school, said she has been driving around, looking at the safety of crosswalks throughout the city. She urged council members to do the same.

“I have been to several schools. I think it’s a concern,” she said. “I’ve watched kids have to jump back onto the sidewalk.”

Councilwoman Gerri Schroder urged Wythe to meet with her to discuss Look Out Kids About, a group that educates drivers and children about safety.

“They’re trying really hard to inform drivers to be safe, look out for kids,” Schroder said.

Abramson said she felt “blown off” by the City Council, even though she was aware the council could not take any action during the public comment portion of the meeting when she and Wythe spoke.

“It’s horrible because we’re trying to get some sense of why he passed away,” she said.

Abramson, who is a lifelong Henderson resident, and Wythe said they would fight until all crosswalks in Henderson are safer for children going to school.

Miller’s death was the fifth traffic fatality in Henderson this year.