Young boy struck while crossing street with family members near bus stop
December 28, 2025 | Clayton, GA
What Happened in the Crash?
A tragic hit-and-run incident claimed the life of 10-year-old Khaleb Jackson in Clayton County. The boy was crossing the street with his older brother and cousins when a vehicle struck him around 9 p.m. at the intersection of Riverdale Road and Garden Walk Boulevard.
Khaleb Jackson, 10, was killed after being struck by a vehicle at Riverdale Road and Garden Walk Boulevard in Clayton County.
- Victim Details: Khaleb Jackson, age 10, from Clayton, GA.
- Date and Time: Dec. 28, 2025, approximately 9 p.m.
- Location: Riverdale Road and Garden Walk Boulevard, Clayton County.
- Circumstances: The group was heading to a nearby bus stop.
- Immediate Aftermath: Jackson was rushed to a local hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
- Suspect Apprehension: A vigilant witness pursued the fleeing vehicle, noted its license plate, and alerted authorities, resulting in the driver's arrest shortly after.
Police have charged the suspect with homicide by vehicle and hit-and-run. The investigation remains active as officials piece together further details.
Why Do Hit-and-Run Crashes Happen?
Hit-and-run incidents often stem from drivers' fear of consequences, impaired judgment, or distraction. According to the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, nearly 65 percent of fatalities in such crashes involve pedestrians or bicyclists, underscoring the vulnerability of those on foot.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Percentage of hit-and-run fatalities that are pedestrians/bicyclists |
65% |
AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety |
Annual hit-and-run crashes in the U.S. |
Over 2,000 |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
Pedestrian deaths in traffic incidents |
About 7,500 per year |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
This table highlights the pressing need for heightened awareness and stricter enforcement to prevent these avoidable tragedies.
Legal Insights
In cases such as this, thorough crash investigations play a pivotal role in establishing accountability. National legal analyst Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal, emphasizes the importance of professional resources.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Bond. “The driver always has to take great care behind the wheel.”
Bond notes that attorneys can engage witnesses, interview bystanders, and assess insurance policies to build a strong case. Time is critical, as preserving evidence early can clarify the sequence of the crash.
Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal, addresses the emotional toll on families.
“The stress and sorrow can be extremely overwhelming after losing a loved one in an accident,” said Stefano Formica. “A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that the victim's legal rights and best interests are protected.”
- Key Takeaways:
- Prompt medical response after crashes can save lives, delays exacerbate injuries.
- Families may pursue wrongful death claims for companionship loss, pain, and emotional distress.
- Leaving the scene benefits no one and often leads to severe legal repercussions.
- Experienced analysis helps determine negligence without relying solely on initial police reports.
Supporting the Family
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to cover funeral costs and support Khaleb's grieving family. Contributions can honor his memory: Honoring Khaleb’s Memory and Supporting His Family.
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If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free, no-obligation consultation.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).