“Tragic Loss: 7th-Grade Student Fatally Struck While Biking to School, Community Demands Safer Roads”

Tragic Loss: 7th-Grade Student Fatally Struck While Biking to School, Community Demands Safer Roads

Littleton, CO – A heartbreaking accident has shaken the Littleton community after 12-year-old Liam Stewart, a seventh-grade student, was fatally struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle to school. The tragic incident, which occurred on the morning of March 12, 2025, has left family, friends, and local residents mourning and demanding urgent changes to road safety measures.

The Accident

According to eyewitness accounts and preliminary police reports, Liam was riding his bike to school when he attempted to cross an intersection near West Belleview Avenue and South Federal Boulevard. Despite wearing a helmet and following traffic signals, he was struck by a speeding SUV. Emergency responders arrived quickly and transported Liam to a nearby hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.

Authorities confirmed that the driver remained on the scene and is cooperating with the investigation. While no charges have been filed yet, officials are examining whether speed, distracted driving, or other factors played a role in the accident.

A Community in Mourning

Liam Stewart was a beloved student at Littleton Middle School, known for his bright smile, love of sports, and passion for cycling. Teachers described him as a kind and energetic young boy who always went out of his way to help others.

“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” said Principal Heather Collins. “Liam was a wonderful student and friend to so many. Our hearts go out to his family during this devastating time.”

To honor Liam’s memory, his classmates have organized a candlelight vigil and a bike ride in his honor, encouraging the community to come together in support of his grieving family.

Road Safety Concerns Spark Calls for Action

The accident has reignited concerns about pedestrian and cyclist safety in Littleton. Residents have long complained about speeding in school zones, lack of designated bike lanes, and inadequate crosswalks at busy intersections. Liam’s tragic death has mobilized parents, activists, and city officials to push for immediate improvements to local road safety.

“We’ve been warning about this for years,” said local resident Jennifer Carter, a mother of three. “There’s not enough protection for our kids. It shouldn’t take a tragedy like this for action to be taken.”

In response to growing public outrage, city officials have announced plans to review school zone speed limits, install additional traffic signals, and explore the possibility of adding protected bike lanes.

Moving Forward

Liam’s parents, devastated by their loss, have issued a heartfelt statement urging lawmakers to prioritize road safety and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

“No parent should have to go through what we are experiencing right now,” said his father, David Stewart. “Liam was an amazing son with his whole life ahead of him. If anything good can come from this, we hope it will be real change to protect other children.”

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to support the Stewart family with funeral expenses and to help fund road safety initiatives in Liam’s name. The campaign has already seen an overwhelming response, with donations pouring in from community members and beyond.

As Littleton mourns the loss of a bright young life, the hope remains that Liam’s story will lead to meaningful reforms that ensure no other family endures a similar tragedy.