A Kent-Meridian High School student died Wednesday afternoon from head injuries he suffered falling off the hood of a car on Tuesday at the school’s parking lot.
Lupo Benson, 18, a senior, died from the injuries at Harborview Medical Center in Seattle, said Chris Loftis, spokesman for the Kent School District, in a phone interview about the accident.
“We had a bad day,” Loftis said. “He was very well-liked, respected, friendly and outgoing. It’s a big loss to the school.”
Benson was riding on top a car’s hood. When the car stopped moving, he fell to the ground and hit his head, Loftis said. The accident occurred at about 2:18 p.m. Tuesday, just eight minutes after school got out.
People rushed to aid Benson immediately and paramedics arrived within four minutes, Loftis said.
The district will send out letters on Thursday to Kent-Meridian parents about the accident.
Kent-Meridian Principal Wade Barringer posted a statement Wednesday on the school’s Facebook page.
“This incident has affected many people and we have additional counselors available for staff and students if needed,” Barringer said in one part of the statement. “And please, do not be embarrassed by needing a helping hand or support during this time. We are all human and needing one another in difficult times is just part of who we are.”
Barringer said plans will be made soon for a memorial service for Benson that students can attend.
“At K-M, through both tragedy and triumph, we are always a family,” he said. “And we will now, and always, care for one another.”
Kent Police continue to investigate the circumstances related to what a police media release referred to as “car surfing.”
“(Benson) was riding on the hood of the vehicle and was thrown from the vehicle when the vehicle made a sharp turn while in the school parking lot,” according to police. “It is unclear how fast the driver was going at the time of the incident.”
The King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office has requested to review the investigation upon completion to determine whether or not charges will be filed against the driver.
“This incident is a reminder to teens that this is a dangerous game and the risks can prove to be tragic,” said detective Melanie Robinson.
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