Grand Prairie Neighborhood Mourns Boy's Death
GRAND PRAIRIE (CBSDFW.COM) – He was only 8 years old, but Jordan League's memory is already leaving a lasting impression on a south Grand Prairie neighborhood.
More than 100 friends and family members gathered for a vigil Monday night at the very corner where the boy lost his life last week. He was struck and killed by a moving pickup truck on Christopher Street while riding his bike last Wednesday.
"It's difficult. I really appreciate how we have all pulled together, and that has definitely made it a little easier," Jordan's mother, Tanesha League, said.
Jordan, a third-grader at Zavala Elementary School, was not wearing a helmet. He died from his injuries. But neighbors said, even though the driver of the truck wasn't speeding, vehicles often drive too fast down Christopher Street. As such, they used the vigil as a time to start a petition to get speed bumps placed along the street.
"Our speed limit is 30 miles per hour down this road. It's uncalled for," said neighbor Kristie Ward. "We need the City of Grand Prairie to help us out to lower the speed limit and to get speed bumps and stop signs put in."
Grand Prairie police said that the driver who hit Jordan was going about 24 mph, about 6 mph below the posted speed limit. Police said that Jordan failed to yield to the moving truck. Despite braking and swerving to avoid the boy, the driver still clipped Jordan's bike. That driver was, however, arrested for driving without a license.
"The cars come around the bend much too fast for children playing," League said.
Jordan's parents said their son loved to ride his bike. The family now wants to make sure every child can share that same joy without experiencing their incredible pain.
"He was my heart. I had plans, big plans for him," said father Byron League. "We had planned on seeing him going to college and everything. It just happened so quick."
