Updated: Lexington school crossing guard dies after being hit by SUV
A school crossing guard who was hit by a car Tuesday has since died at the hospital, according to the Fayette County Coroner’s Office.
The coroner identified the victim as James Holland, 73, of Lexington. He was declared dead at 10:23 p.m. Wednesday at UK Chandler Hospital.
“Today is a very said day for the Lexington Police Department,” Lt. Chris Van Brackel from the Lexington Police Department said Thursday.
Lexington police said Holland had been a school crossing guard since April 2021. LPD runs the city’s school crossing guard program and has dozens of crossing guards.
“Mr. Holland was a beloved member of the Lexington Police Department family,” police said in a news release. “He came to work every day with a smile on his face to ensure the safety of the youngest members of our community. We want to offer our condolences to his friends, family, and the students and staff of Garrett Morgan Elementary, whom he served daily.
“He will be greatly missed by all that knew him.”
Fayette County Schools officials said they were “deeply saddened” by the death.
Garrett Morgan Elementary Principal Sarah Woodford said in a message to families that Holland was cherished.
“He has been an integral part of our school community for two years, ensuring the safety of our students and families as they cross the street and travel to and from school each day.” said Woodford. “His unwavering commitment to the well-being of our students has earned him the respect and admiration of students, parents, and staff alike. “
Law enforcement is working to investigate and ensure that all necessary measures are taken to prevent similar incidents in the future, said Woodford.
She expressed sympathy to Holland’s family.
Rep. Andy Barr (R-KY) released a statement on Holland’s death, asking people to join him in praying for Holland’s family.
Mayor Linda Gorton said she is saddened by Holland’s death and that crossing guards are an essential part of the city’s public safety team.
“Holland was an important part of the daily routine for many families at Garrett Morgan Elementary School,” Gorton said in a Facebook post.
Councilmember Kathy Plomin, who represents the district where the collision happened, said she was heartbroken to hear the news and emphasized the importance of school crossing guards.
“Please join me in keeping the family and loved ones of Mr. Holland, as well as our Lexington Police Department School Crossing Guards and Garrett Morgan Elementary School community, in your thoughts and prayers,” Plomin said in a Facebook post.
Gov. Andy Beshear said he and his wife, Britainy, are praying for Holland’s family.
“James not only kept Lexington families safe, he also offered a smile each day for students and their loved ones,” Beshear said in a tweet. “He made a difference daily and will be missed.”
The crash happened shortly before 8 a.m. at the intersection of Polo Club Boulevard and Passage Mound Way, according to Lt. Dan Truex with the Lexington Police Department. The intersection is near Garrett Morgan Elementary School. Holland was directing traffic when he was struck by a crossover SUV.
Holland’s injuries were described as serious but non-life-threatening initially after the collision, according to Truex.
A GoFundMe page had been created to raise money for Holland. As of Thursday morning, $365 had been raised.
The driver involved in the crash was cooperative and called police to report the incident, Truex said. No charges were expected to be filed.
Police confirmed again Thursday that charges weren’t expected to be filed. The department said speeding, impairment and failure to follow traffic control devices were not believed to be factors in the collision. Environmental factors were believed to have caused the collision, police said.
On Thursday, Van Brackel said the driver wound up being cited for no insurance, expired registration and not having a driver’s license with them.
“We have been in contact James’ family, and preparations for his funeral are still being finalized,” Van Brackel said.
The cause of the crash remained under investigation Tuesday morning. The collision reconstruction unit was called out to the scene.
The intersection was blocked off while officials investigated but the scene was reopened around 10 a.m., according to the Lexington Traffic Management Center.
This story was originally published April 11, 2023 at 10:39 AM.
