An Elizaville teenager is dead after stepping out in front of a vehicle Wednesday, according to police. Thirteen-year-old Amber Choate of Fleming County was walking across KY 32 when the eighth grader stepped out in front of a 2002 Chevy Pickup driven by Dustin Hawkins, 29, of Flemingsburg, according to police.
Police reports say Hawkins had no time to react to the juvenile in front of his vehicle.
“The impact of the vehicle knocked her several feet,” Fleming County Coroner Gary Workman said. “The driver of the vehicle then turned around to check on her. He and his friend were going deer hunting and driving separate vehicles. The person in the other vehicle was an off duty deputy sheriff. The two men said she had a faint heart beat when they got back to her.”
Choate was transported to Fleming County Hospital where she was pronounced dead by Workman.
Choate had been visiting her grandmother and was crossing KY 32 to go home, according to reports.
“We are going to remember Amber as a really energetic honor student who always worked hard and tried to help others,” said Simmons Middle School Principal Lisa Eldridge.
“Our faculty and students were shaken by this and they were able to express their grief with each other and we had counselors here from the school district. Our youth service center was instrumental in helping students that were upset by providing counseling.”
The local counseling firm “Comprehend” brought counselors in to aid with grieving students also, according to Eldridge.
Simons Middle School started Wednesday off with a moment of silence. According to Eldridge, news reached many of the students before the school day even started. School officials say the day ended with a memorial service.
“She was very active in our ‘Cougars for Christ’ organization which is our student led Christian organization,” said Eldridge. “Our sympathy goes out to her family and I know how difficult it’s been here at school and I’m sure it is just magnified by her family.”
The funeral for Choate will be held Saturday at 1 p.m. at Simons Middle School.
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