Marist High Student Struck on Way to School

The initial investigation indicates that the driver, who had the sun in her eyes, proceeded into the crosswalk despite being unable to see clearly in front of her vehicle, and struck the victim.

Salem-News.com

(EUGENE, Ore. ) - A Marist High School student was rushed to a local hospital Thursday morning after being struck by an SUV on her way to school.

About 7:45 AM, 14-year-old Jaclyn Elsita Merlo of Junction City was on her way to school at Marist, crossing Goodpasture Island Road at Kingsley Road in a marked and signaled crosswalk after getting off the bus.

The driver of a 2002 gold Toyota Sequoia, 26-year-old Kristy Ann Taylor of Harrisburg, was on her way to her workplace in Springfield, turning left from Kingsley onto Goodpasture Island, when she struck Merlo in the crosswalk.

A bystander ran across the street to Fire Station 9 to alert Eugene Fire & EMS personnel, who responded immediately to render aid to the injured pedestrian.

Eugene Police patrol officers responded and called in crash investigators from the department’s major collision investigation team, the Forensic Investigation Reconstruction Survey Team (F.I.R.S.T.), to investigate the collision.

The initial investigation indicates that Taylor, who had the sun in her eyes, proceeded into the crosswalk despite being unable to see clearly in front of her vehicle, and struck Merlo.

All drivers are reminded that they are required — both by state law and for the safety of our community — to ensure their path of travel is clear before proceeding.

Drivers also should exercise extreme caution at all times when driving near schools, especially during student commute times.

Merlo was transported to Sacred Heart Medical Center, where she was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit in critical condition.

Family members were contacted and are now at the hospital.

This case will be forwarded to the District Attorney’s Office for review, as is standard practice with serious collisions, prior to any citations being issued.

Source: Eugene Police Department