Billings Seventh Grader Dies After Being Struck While Walking to School

Overview

• The collision occurred Thursday near Grand Avenue and Rehberg Lane, and investigators say the force of the impact carried the boy roughly 200 feet before bystanders and a school nurse provided lifesaving aid.
• Chase Lantz, a 13-year-old seventh grader at Will James Middle School, was taken to a Denver hospital with catastrophic head and spinal injuries and was taken off life support Monday, his family reported.
• Billings Police are actively investigating the crash and, as of the latest reports, no charges have been filed.
• The community has organized vigils, tied red ribbons, distributed bracelets, held a PTO fundraiser and started a GoFundMe that raised more than $64,000 to support the family.
• City officials launched a 'Go Slow, Be Safe, Be Kind' PSA campaign and City Council members are discussing expanded school zones, more crossing guards and other safety measures in response to calls for safer routes to school.