'Unspeakable Tragedy': Family Says Boy Hit While Crossing Highway Has Died

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- The 12-year-old Elk River boy who was struck and critically injured after crossing a highway has passed away, according to the family.

It was dark and wet Sunday night as 12-year-old Ian Kniseley darted across a busy Elk River intersection.

A northbound driver, passing through a green light at Highway 169 and Main Street, couldn't avoid the tragic collision.

The boy was tossed clear across the intersection, suffering critical injuries.

On the Kniseley's YouCaring page, family says the boy was removed from most life support on Monday due to extensive brain injuries and passed away. The cousin who posted the update called it an "unspeakable tragedy".

The family is now hoping for financial support for medical and funeral expenses. A GoFundMe page was also opened to help them.

The boy was a seventh-grader at VandenBerge Middle School. The school released a statement Tuesday:

"Last evening we received sad news of the death of one of our students, Ian Kniseley, a seventh-grader at VandenBerge Middle School. Ian died Monday evening from injuries sustained in a pedestrian-motor vehicle crash Sunday evening.

"A crisis team of counselors will be available for students as they process their grief and feelings about this loss. The counselors will work with students who feel unable to be in class for a time due to their grief. Students can talk to the counselors about their grief regarding this loss or other losses they may have experienced recently that may resurface."