BOISE, Idaho – The Boise community is mourning the loss of a young Washington Elementary School student who died after being struck by a pickup truck Tuesday evening in the city’s historic North End neighborhood. The tragedy has sparked grief, frustration, and renewed calls for traffic safety improvements in the area.
Tragic Crash Near Washington Elementary
The fatal crash occurred around 4:45 p.m. Tuesday at the intersection of North Harrison Boulevard and West Ada Street, a residential area frequented by children walking home from school.
According to the Boise Police Department, the driver of the pickup truck, identified as Elvin Ramos-Caballero, stopped at a stop sign before turning north onto Harrison Boulevard, where the collision occurred. The girl, whose name has not yet been released, was transported to a local hospital but later succumbed to her injuries.
Police said Ramos-Caballero remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. Authorities later discovered that he had an outstanding federal warrant involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) for failing to appear at a hearing. ICE officers subsequently took him into custody at the crash site.
“This is every parent’s worst nightmare,” said Gretchen Rushbridge, whose son attended school with the victim. “Kids should be able to walk to school and play safely. It’s tragic that it takes something like this to remind people to slow down.”
Community Outpouring and Memorial
In the hours following the tragedy, a memorial began to grow at the intersection where the crash occurred. Flowers, ribbons, and handwritten notes filled the corner as neighbors, classmates, and teachers gathered to honor the girl’s memory.
Residents say the intersection, though picturesque, has long been a source of concern due to speeding and congestion.
“I was sitting in my kitchen window and watched her walk by,” said Thomas Conn, a longtime resident. “Seconds later, she got run over. People drive too fast. I’ve asked police for years to run radar and write tickets. We need more enforcement.”
Others echoed his concern, urging local authorities to consider adding more stop signs and crosswalks along Harrison Boulevard to prevent future tragedies.
“I wish there was a stop sign on Harrison every block,” said Peggy Wilson, another North End resident. “Why can’t they put a stop sign on Harrison? It’s a residential street — not a highway.”
Officials Respond to Safety Concerns
The Ada County Highway District (ACHD) confirmed that it has reviewed the site and will evaluate potential infrastructure improvements in response to community concerns.
In a statement, the agency said its engineers are “evaluating safety measures and traffic flow patterns in the area to determine if additional controls or signage are warranted.”
The Boise School District also expressed condolences to the victim’s family and classmates, noting the impact such a loss has on the entire school community.
“Our hearts are with the student’s family, friends, classmates, and the entire Washington Elementary community during this incredibly difficult time,” the district said.
Ongoing Investigation and Safety Efforts
Police continue to investigate the circumstances of the crash. As of Wednesday evening, no new charges have been filed beyond the existing ICE warrant.
The Boise School District is urging families to review safety measures and walking routes through its Safe Routes to School Program, which helps identify the safest paths for students walking or biking to and from school.
Community members are planning a candlelight vigil later this week to honor the young girl and advocate for improved traffic safety in the North End.
Residents can learn more about pedestrian safety and share input on neighborhood infrastructure concerns by visiting the Ada County Highway District’s official website or the Boise Safe Routes to School program.
The community’s grief is united by one message that appeared on a child’s handwritten note at the memorial:
“She should still be here.”
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