A community is mourning the loss of an Omaha boy who was struck by a car and killed Monday afternoon.
The third grader, 8-year-old Jalen Duncan was walking home from Jefferson Elementary School near 45th and Grover Streets with a group of friends about 4:20 p.m.
According to Omaha police, a 2005 Mini Cooper was heading east on Grover Street when Jalen began crossing the street. Jalen collided with the car’s windshield and side mirror.
Paramedics transported Jalen to Nebraska Medical Center in critical condition. He died at the hospital.
“He was my best friend. I love him. He was a good kid,” says Nels Petersen, Jalen’s best friend. “I just loved to hear him talk. He’s so funny. He would say a lot of funny things. His laugh was so funny.”
“He was so cool. He knew how to do backflips. I miss him,” says Tye Treadwell.
Both boys went to school with Jalen since first grade. They usually walked home together.
After school on Tuesday, both boys’ parents picked them up from school and took them to 45th and Grover, to honor their best friend’s life with balloons, flowers and a cross.
Sgt. Chuck Casey said the driver, 23-year-old Noel Rangel was cooperative with the police and was questioned at the scene.
Omaha police said their investigation would be turned over to the city attorney, who would ultimately decide if any charges would be filed again the driver.
