A tragic accident claimed the life of a nine-year-old girl from Missouri as she was cycling to school.

Hazen Workman-Duffy, a third-grade student, was fatally struck by a van while crossing a busy intersection in Kansas City. The incident occurred as she was en route to Ingels Elementary School.

Kansas City police confirmed that Hazen was crossing within a designated crosswalk and had the right of way, with the signal indicating it was safe for her to proceed.

According to a spokesperson from the Kansas City Police Department, a white Ford Transit van was heading north on Food Lane Drive and was making a turn west onto Longview Road at the intersection when the accident occurred.

“At the same time, a young girl was riding her bicycle in the marked crosswalk and had a green light,” the spokesperson added, describing the unfortunate sequence of events.

The van made a left turn into the intersection without noticing the girl and crashed into her on Tuesday morning.

Workman-Duffy’s family said that van was transporting another student to school. 

Witnesses said an onlooker administered CPR as paramedics rushed to the scene.

Hazen Workman-Duffy, nine, was killed on her way to school Tuesday after being hit by a car in a crosswalk

Her family started a GoFundMe in her honor and said she was ‘a nine-year-old fireball.’ Her mom (left) said she was ‘heartbroken and angry’

The girl was rushed to the hospital where she passed away without ever regaining consciousness.

Her mother, Diana Shields, said shared an emotional tribute to her daughter.

‘I’m so angry and heartbroken,’ she said. ‘Hazen didn’t deserve to have her life cut short, we were just getting started. Hazen was such a sweet, kind, affectionate, strong-willed soul.’

Kansas City Police confirmed her death and told Fox8Live that the driver stayed at the scene and cooperated with the investigation. 

A witness told KSHB the motorist appeared devastated.

‘He was on his knees holding this girl’s arm, praying over her,’ said Kailey Thompson.

Resident Kelly Betow said the intersection had always been dangerous, but many children cross the street there every day.

‘Especially for kids who are crossing, trying to get to the school that’s right there,’ she said.

Workman-Duffy loved coloring, biking, swimming, and playing with her friends

Members of the community have already set up a makeshift memorial in her honor

A witness noted that there was no crosswalk attendant on duty, pointing out that it could have saved Workman-Duffy’s life. 

‘I just hope the city acts on it and then this is something that they take into account and actually implement things that are going to prevent future occurrence,’ said witness Ruby Perkins. 

State Representative Mark Sharp told KCTV5 that Workman-Duffy was the fourth person killed in the area this month. 

He called for increased police presence and a crossing guard in the intersection.

Members of Workman-Duffy’s family started a GoFundMe page to help cover the unexpected costs of her memorial.

In their tribute, her great aunt and uncle wrote that their niece loved coloring, biking, swimming, and playing with her friends.

‘Hazen was a nine-year old ball of fire that enjoyed life,’ a statement on the fundraiser said.

Ingels Elementary school also addressed the unexpected loss of their student.

Residents noted that the Kansas City intersection where the girl was killed was not monitored by a crossing guard

‘We are deeply saddened to confirm that an Ingels Elementary School student passed away following a bicycle accident that occurred on the way to school this morning,’ they wrote in a statement obtained by Fox8. 

‘Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with the student’s family, friends, and the Ingels Elementary community.’ 

A representative for Hickman Mills school district told Fox4 that counselors will be available for students and staff as they process the loss.

Members of the community have begun a memorial in Workman-Duffy’s honor, placing stuffed animals near the intersection where she was struck.

The Daily Mail reached out to Ingels Elementary School, the Mayor’s office, and Workman-Duffy’s family for comment.