‘A special kid’: Fort Mill HS freshman hit, killed by SUV on Valentine’s Day

FORT MILL, S.C. — A 14-year-old boy has died after being hit by an SUV on Valentine’s Day in front of Pleasant Knoll Middle School in Fort Mill, according to the York County coroner.

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Fort Mill police were called Friday to the intersection of Pleasant and Vista roads at 5:55 p.m. The teen, identified as Bryan Orkofsky, was trying to cross the road when he was hit, officials said.

He was flown to Atrium Health-CMC in Charlotte, where he died.

The Fort Mill Police Department is investigating the crash and no charges have been filed.

Very sad news. A 14-yr-old boy has died after being struck by a car on Friday in Fort Mill. He was crossing Pleasant Road just before 6pm. Bryan Orkofsky is his name. He was a student at Fort Mill High School. police are still investigating the incident. pic.twitter.com/xZ6OuuRSMO
— Greg Suskin (@GSuskinWSOC9) February 17, 2020

Channel 9′s South Carolina reporter Greg Suskin spoke with Orkofsky’s grandfather, who said Bryan was a special kid. Bryan’s family said they believe he was with a friend, who was on a scooter, while he walked.

“His friend did confirm he looked both ways, and out of nowhere, and I don’t know if he was coming this direction, but the guy was in an SUV and hit him,” his grandfather said. “We’re just really sad and really upset.”

Bryan’s grandfather said the boy suffered severe injuries and was taken off life support on Saturday. He was a freshman at Fort Mill High School.

“The entire Fort Mill School District family was saddened to learn of the tragic loss of one of our students over the weekend. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the student,” the school district said in a message to parents.

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Channel 9 also met with Melanie Stone and other Fort Mill mothers who have tried to get something changed, long before this tragedy. They have spoken to DOT, the school district and Fort Mill city leaders about how they are concerned about the speed limit and the limited visibility.

“Sometimes, one car will stop and we’ll go part way out and cars will blow by like they don’t even see us,” Stone said.

Channel 9 saw a crossing guard in the area after school Monday, but there was not one there when Bryan tried to cross. Sarah Chick is another parent who emailed DOT months ago, worried something would happen.

“Here we are, not that long after my email,” Chick said. “Unfortunately, somebody had to pay the price for that.”

Channel 9 also reached out to DOT several times on Monday, but have not heard back from them.

No other details have been released.

Check back with wsoctv.com for updates on this story.

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