MARANA, Ariz. (KGUN) — An 11-year-old boy was killed Thursday morning after being struck by a vehicle while riding his bicycle in Marana, according to police.
The crash happened around 7:53 a.m. near N. Midfield Road and W. Hancock Drive. Marana police said the boy, a student at Tangerine Farms K-8 School, was riding eastbound from W. Hancock Drive and crossing Midfield Road in an unmarked crosswalk when he was struck by a northbound 2008 Ford Expedition.
The boy was wearing a helmet. Bystanders attempted lifesaving measures before he was taken to a hospital with serious injuries, where he was pronounced dead.
The driver remained at the scene, and police said impairment does not appear to have been a factor. No arrests or citations have been made.
The Marana Police Department Traffic Unit is continuing to investigate the crash.
Coworkers of the boy's father dropped off these flowers pictured below at the scene.
The memorial continues to grow with flowers, stuffed animals, candles, letters, baseballs, and balloons.
Darlene Brooks, a neighbor who lives right by where the incident happened, told KGUN 9 she passed by right after the crash happened and saw the bike in the street – along with the little boy. She says bystanders were doing CPR.
"I think that was really heroic for them to jump in before Marana PD got here. It's just a tragedy," Brooks said. "It’s a vision, I don’t want to think about it. It’s a horrible, horrible tragedy and I know the community is coming together."
She said the Gladden Farms community is tight-knit and the memorial shows the love that everyone has for one another.
"In fact, the reason I walked over here tonight was to look at the flowers and I want to add to it. It feel empty right now out here," Brooks said. "I know everyone is really hurting right now. We feel the energy. I feel terrible for all parties."
Marana Unified School District sent the following letter to families and staff at the Tangerine Farms K-8 school:
August 20, 2026
Tangerine Farms K-8 Families and Staff,
It is with profound sadness that we share that one of our sixth-grade students died this morning after being struck by a car while riding his bicycle in a neighborhood near Hancock and Midfield Roads. Our hearts are with his family, friends, and everyone in our community grieving this devastating and unexpected loss.
We are working closely with the student's family to offer care and support during this incredibly difficult time, and we are also supporting our staff and students as they process this loss.
The district crisis support team was on site today, along with Mrs. Daddona, our school counselor, to talk with any students or staff who needed support. This support will continue to be available in the coming days. If you believe your child is experiencing stress, shock, or grief in response to this news, please contact Mrs. Daddona at e.g.daddona@maranausd.org.
We will continue to wrap our school community in care and support as we navigate this loss together. If you have questions or believe your family could benefit from additional support, please reach out to the front office or Mrs. Daddona directly.
With deepest sympathy,
Tangerine Farms K-8 Administration
Megan Ekland lives in the neighborhood. She says two of her four kids also attend Tangerine Farms and is heartbroken for the family.
“As a mom, you don’t want to hear anything like that happening, you couldn’t imagine it happening to yourself. I have four kids. So, all those parents did, they sent their baby out this morning on their bike to go to school and tragedy struck. So it was heartbreaking," Ekland said.
She shares a message to all parents and the family affected.
“Hug your babies because you never know when the last time might be," Ekland said. "And to the family that it happened to, my heart’s broken for you, my prayers are going out to you.”
The community is having a candlelight vigil on Friday, August 21 at 6:30 p.m. on Midfield Road and Hancock Drive by the Gladden Farms Trailside entrance. People are asked to bring candles and blue, white and yellow balloons.
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Vanessa Gongora is KGUN 9's Westside reporter.. Vanessa fell in love with storytelling by growing up in sports. She was fascinated by how sports reporters go beyond the x's & o's to tell players' stories, and how sports bring people together, inspiring Vanessa to provide the same impact as a journalist. Share your story ideas and important issues with Vanessa by emailing vanessa.gongora@kgun9.com or by connecting on Facebook, Instagram, and X.
