FLORENCE, Ky. – A sixth-grade boy was hit by a car while running with his school cross-country team Monday afternoon, according to the Boone County Sheriff’s Office.
Anderson Carter, 11, of Florence was flown by Air Care to Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, but his injuries were described as not life-threatening.
The accident occurred about 4:05 p.m. near the intersection of Aero Parkway and Turfway Road.
A 911 caller, apparently the running coach, tried to keep the boy calm while reporting the accident:
CALLER: “One of my cross-country runners got hit by a car.”
911: “I’m sorry, what got hit by a car?”
CALLER: “A cross-country runner - a sixth-grade student got hit by a car. ”
911: “Is he conscious?”
CALLER: “He’s conscious. He’s OK.”
911: “Is the car still there?”
CALLER: “Yeah, he's still here.”
911: “How old is he?”
CALLER: “He’s 11. You’re OK, Anderson, you’re good. Hold my hand, dude.”
911: “Does he have any visible injuries?”
Caller: "None ... He is conscious. He does have scratches. He does have some bleeding. There's nothing visible. Just abrasions.”
911: “We have an ambulance on the way, OK? Just keep him still.”
Carter was crossing near the intersection when he was struck by a Toyota Avalon operated by Jeffrey Clark, 25, of Burlington, Kentucky. Clark remained at the scene.
While the collision is still being investigated, it appears that Carter stepped out in traffic in front of the oncoming car, the sheriff’s office said.
Anderson is a student at Tischenor Middle School in Erlanger, but he's a good enough runner that he works out with the high school team.
The district isn't commenting on the incident.
It's not clear if the runners were driven to the area to begin their workout, or if they began at Lloyd High School. There is a biking and running trail that begins at the intersection and runs along Aero Parkway.
