‘Just devastating’: 7-year-old boy hit and killed near Gastonia grocery store

GASTONIA, N.C. — Police in Gastonia say a 7-year-old boy died Tuesday night after a crash on W. Hudson Boulevard.

Channel 9 learned that the boy’s big brother was right next to him when it happened.

The crash happened just before 6 p.m. near the Food Lion on Lyon Street. Police said the child was trying to cross the street with another child when he was hit by a Jeep Cherokee.

Now, a memorial marks the spot where 7-year-old Legend Jenkins was hit.

Jessica and Sameule Jenkins shared a picture of Legend and said he was with his 10-year-old brother when they tried to cross Hudson. Legend was struck by an elderly driver.

Channel 9’s Dave Faherty learned that they were on the phone with their father when the accident happened.

“I heard my oldest son yell, ‘Legend no,’ so I hung up and ran. I just ran to find them,” Sameule said.

There is a crosswalk near Lyon Street, but we spotted several people crossing the four-lane road between the crosswalk.

Legend’s mother says this was the first time she allowed her sons to walk the two blocks home from the shopping center.

“It was just devastating, I’m still in shock, I’m in shock,” Jessica said. “It’s hard, I haven’t stopped crying; my husband hasn’t stopped crying. Honestly, I want justice for my baby. She shouldn’t still be able to drive.”

No charges have been filed against the driver in the Jeep.

Eyewitnesses say police investigated the accident for nearly two hours.

Wednesday afternoon, we spotted family members placing ballons and flowers near where Legend was struck. They want it to serve as a reminder for other families and drivers here.

“I’m very hurt that it happened. I just hope it doesn’t ever happen. I hope it can bring some light to this intersection. There’s still people just crossing,” said Makalah Jenkins, Legend’s aunt.

His dad told Faherty that Legend always had a smile on his face, and he played all kinds of sports.

Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the accident to call them.

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