BIXBY, Okla. — A Bixby family is grieving with the unimaginable after their fourth-grade son - Conner Rineheart - died after being hit by a car.
It happened near Highway 64 and 169th Street around 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
Bixby Public Schools Superintendent Rob Miller says Conner Rineheart was a student at Central Intermediate. School remained in session on Thursday, but hearts remained heavy for a student who had a bright future ahead of him.
As drivers think nothing of the road on their way to work the next day, Brenna Baker, who works at the local coffee shop, knows it as the spot where a fourth-grade Bixby student lost his life.
"A fourth grader, that's so young," Baker told 2 News. "It's just a child. That's really sad and terrible."
A GoFundMe was set up to help support the Rineheart family with funeral costs.
"Our family is at a loss for words. Conner was loved by many and was the youngest of 10 children," the fundraiser page reads. "Conner's sudden death has left my sister and her husband unprepared for the funeral costs. My wife and I just want to help the best way we can, and decided to organize this Gofundme as a way to help cover any expenses Conner's mother and father will face during this incredibly difficult time. We thank you all in advance for your support. Keep us and all who loved him in your prayers."
Bixby police and Oklahoma Highway Patrol troopers are calling it an auto-pedestrian accident. They say Rineheart and his friends were unsafely walking to a store when the driver pulled over and won't be cited.
"I am a sister, so I couldn't imagine my sibling having that happened. It's going to be tough to handle and navigate," Baker said.
Many residents told 2 News off camera the area is notorious for speeding drivers.
Superintendent Miller sent a note to staff and family saying they're prepared to provide support to Rineheart's siblings, and any staff or students, who need help processing the loss.
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