Lawrence Co. Crash Leaves 1 Boy Dead, 1 Injured
NEW CASTLE (KDKA) – One boy was killed and another was injured after being hit by a truck Sunday afternoon in Lawrence County. Now, additional charges could be filed against the driver.
One young boy will be left with physical and emotional scars following the accident, while another family is preparing for a funeral.
Octavius Stone, 7, and Emil Osborne Velez, 9, known as Ozzy, were hit by a yellow pickup truck Sunday while playing outside on the steps.
The accident happened in front of Ozzy's grandmother's home and she had to confirm last night what her grandson already knew.
"The TV was on and he said, 'Grandma, I think Octavius didn't make it,'" Barbara Brown said.
New Castle Police arrested 66-year-old Virgil Coonfare and charged him with homicide by vehicle, aggravated assault and DUI.
Police said his truck barreled through the sidewalk and hit the boys. However, Ozzy tried to save his friend.
"He said, 'The truck came at us and I tried to push Octavius out of the way, but the truck hit us both,'" Brown said.
Brown was there in the last moments of Octavius' life. She was hopeful when she still saw him breathing.
"He not only looked at me. He raised himself up and looked and went back down. I ran down to him and he fluttered his eyes," Brown said.
He would pass away moments later.
Brown knows her grandson could have also easily been killed. Ozzy is suffering from injuries from his neck to his left leg.
He remains at Children's Hospital where he is listed in good condition.
She said just before the accident, Octavius jokingly complained about upcoming Christmas plans.
"'You'll never believe what I [have to] do for Christmas. I [have to] get dressed up for Christmas.' So, I guess he'll be dressed up with the angels," Brown said.
Brown said it will be impossible to ever walk down her steps again without remembering the accident.
Police have told the family they plan to revisit the scene and the investigation is ongoing.
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