Polk City student dies after being hit by car
POLK CITY (FOX 13) - A Polk County student, hit by a car while he was walking to school last week, has now died from his injuries.
Thursday morning, Jacob Scott of Polk City was walking westbound along the shoulder of Barfield Road to his bus stop. Around 7:45 a.m., deputies say, he was struck by a car heading eastbound not far from State Road 559.
Jacob, 13, was flown to Tampa General Hospital in critical condition, but he passed away Sunday.
Polk County school officials say grief counselors were on hand this morning at Lake Alfred-Addair Middle School.
"The loss of such a young life is devastating to his family and loved ones. We share in their loss, and they remain in our thoughts and prayers," a district spokesperson wrote.
Meanwhile, the driver in the crash later told deputies that the sun had been in his eyes and he could not see. Deputies said an on-scene review of his phone showed he had not received any calls or texts since the night before, and they say excessive speed does not appear to be a factor.
Deputies are still investigating.