STUDIO CITY, CALIFORNIA — A 15-year-old student was killed Wednesday afternoon after being struck and pinned between two vehicles in the parking lot of Campbell Hall, a private K-12 school in the Studio City neighborhood of Los Angeles, authorities confirmed.
The incident occurred shortly after 3 p.m., as school was letting out for the day. According to David Cuellar, spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), emergency crews responded quickly and transported the teen and his father to a nearby hospital. The father was not physically injured, but the teen was later pronounced dead.
“It’s just a tragic incident overall,” Cuellar told reporters at the scene.
Circumstances Remain Under Investigation
Officials say the collision involved a green Rivian SUV, which struck the teen in the school’s parking area. The impact reportedly sandwiched him between two vehicles, although specific details about how the crash unfolded remain under investigation.
The driver of the vehicle has not been identified publicly but is said to be cooperating fully with police. According to LAPD, no arrests have been made, and the crash does not appear to be a criminal matter at this time.
“This is not currently being investigated as a crime,” Cuellar said.
Community Mourns Sudden Loss
Campbell Hall, a private Episcopal school known for its academic rigor and tight-knit community, has not released a public statement as of Thursday morning. Families gathered near the campus Wednesday evening, many in tears, seeking comfort and clarity amid the tragedy.
Grief counselors are expected to be made available for students and staff in the coming days.
Safety Concerns in School Parking Lots
While incidents like this are rare, experts say parking lot collisions — especially during pickup and drop-off hours — remain a significant yet often overlooked safety risk in school settings. The National Safety Council has long called for improved protocols and design standards to prevent such tragedies.
“It takes just one moment of distraction in a congested school lot to change lives forever,” said a spokesperson for the California School Safety Coalition.
As students across the state near the end of the academic year, this incident serves as a sobering reminder of the critical need for awareness and caution in high-traffic areas, even at familiar locations like school campuses.
Moving Forward
Authorities have not released the identity of the victim out of respect for the family’s privacy. The LAPD’s traffic division continues to investigate the exact cause of the incident.
Were you present at Campbell Hall during this tragic event or do you have thoughts on improving school traffic safety? Share your comments and experiences below.