A tragic accident in Silver Creek, Georgia, Thursday afternoon claimed the life of the 11-year-old son of a Rome Police Officer. The child succumbed to injuries sustained after being struck by a pickup truck. The incident occurred around 3:54 pm in the area of Timberwood Drive and Ramblewood Drive.

According to Floyd County 911 dispatch, a school bus driver reported that a juvenile had been struck by a red Toyota Tacoma. The school bus was not involved in the incident. “We are deeply saddened to confirm a tragic accident that occurred earlier today, resulting in the death of a juvenile who is the child of one of our officers,” stated the Rome Police Department in a released statement. Emergency personnel responded quickly to the scene and provided immediate life-saving efforts, but the young victim was pronounced dead at a local hospital. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) is leading the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident. Further details will be released by the GBI as they become available.

Counselors from the Floyd County School System will be available to students and staff impacted by the tragedy. “This is an unimaginable loss for one of our own,” said Denise Downer-McKinney, Chief of the Rome Police Department. “Our department is heartbroken and stands united in grief with the family. We ask the community to lift them up in every possible way during this incredibly difficult time.” Out of respect for the family’s privacy, no further details are being released at this time.

The Rome Police Department expressed its gratitude to law enforcement and emergency service partners, as well as the community, for their compassion and support during this difficult time.