‘Tragic loss’: School responds after sixth grader killed by runaway car in Seattle

The Seattle Police Department (SPD) is continuing to investigate after they say a 12-year-old girl was killed by a runaway car outside the entrance of Washington Middle School Thursday. The car rolled backward about 75 yards down a slight hill, Seattle police said.

Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Brent Jones and Washington Middle School Principal Adrian Manriquez released statements following the incident.

“My heart is heavy with sorrow as we face the devastating loss of a Washington Middle School student,” Jones said via his statement. “I am deeply saddened by this tragedy, and my thoughts and condolences are with the student’s family, friends and the entire Washington community during this incredibly difficult time.”

Jones offered his support to families.

“My heart breaks for those who are grieving,” he added. “Please know we are here to support each other and will do everything we can to help heal and comfort those in need.”

Manriquez highlighted the gravity of the situation and provided more insight into what happened.

“Today is a sad day for our school and community as we suffered the tragic loss of one of our students,” he said via his statement. “One of our sixth graders was fatally struck by a vehicle while walking to recess. In response, our school went into a shelter-in-place shortly after second lunch. Because of heavy police activity in front of the school, we dismissed students early.”

Manriquez added that out of respect for the family, the school is not sharing the name of the student. He also said the district is working to provide resources for families.

“I know your student(s) may be experiencing feelings of fear, anxiety, and sadness about this tragedy,” Manriquez stated. “Please know we are doing everything we can to support our students and staff.”

He said the school would be open Friday with “safe spaces” provided. For mental health resources, visit Seattle Public Schools’ website.

The scene after a child was killed in a car crash outside a Seattle middle school. (Photo: Sam Campbell, KIRO Newsradio)

More from MyNorthwest: Renton police investigating after man found dead in apartment

More details on death of Seattle 12-year-old

The incident happened on the west side of the school around 1 p.m. The exact events leading up to the collision are unclear, with Patrol Operations Chief Todd Kibbee specifying only that “the driver having failed to completely place it in park.”

The school district told parents the girl was on recess, but when asked about how the girl was out on the street during the school day, Jones told Seattle Times reporters the district doesn’t know specifically how she was outside.

“It’s an active investigation, we don’t know specifically how this transpired,” he said. “But we do take safety protocols into place when our students are traveling on campus.”

Kibbee clarified the collision appeared to be on the street, 20th Place South, and not on school property.

Police also said the car was empty at the time, but officers have contacted the last driver. At the time of publication, that person is being evaluated for potential impairment, which police said is standard practice. Officers would not say whether any charges were being considered at the time of publication.

Washington Middle School let students out early on Thursday. News crews at the scene witnessed a woman collapse and wail after being informed by police officers. They helped her up and escorted her into the school.

Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Brent Jones said class was likely to resume Friday, but that mental health teams would be contacting students.

More from MyNorthwest: ‘High risk’ Skagit County sex offender pleads guilty to child porn

This story was originally published on March 6, 2025. It has been updated and republished since then.

Contributing: Julia Dallas, MyNorthwest

Follow Sam Campbell on X. Submit news tips here.

Follow @https://twitter.com/HeySamCampbell