LAS VEGAS (KLAS) — A student was killed after she was hit by a vehicle near a Las Vegas valley high school Friday morning.
According to police, the collision happened at around 11:25 a.m. in the 7500 block of Whispering Sands Drive near North Buffalo Drive.
Police said evidence at the scene showed a Chevrolet Malibu was heading north on Buffalo Drive near Certitude Avenue when it hit a student who was crossing the street in a marked school zone. The driver failed to yield and continued to sideswipe an unoccupied Toyota parked along the street.
Arbor View High School is located at 7500 Whispering Sands Drive.
Family and friends identified the student at a Friday night vigil as McKenzie Scott, a high school senior. Those who knew Scott said she was struck and killed while walking across the street to pick up her cap and gown for her graduation.
“McKenzie was a beautiful girl with a bright smile,” said Adrianna Orleans, an Arbor View High School student. “She was a bright sun on a dark road. Every person that she came in contact with… they were happier in her presence.”
Scott’s family said she was interested in forensic science and was planning to attend classes at UNLV on a scholarship.
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Family and friends gathered Friday to remember McKenzie Scott, a high school senior struck and killed by a vehicle. (KLAS) -
Family and friends gathered Friday to remember McKenzie Scott, a high school senior struck and killed by a vehicle. (KLAS) -
Family and friends gathered Friday to remember McKenzie Scott, a high school senior struck and killed by a vehicle. (KLAS)
Medical personnel took Scott to a local hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
The vehicle involved remained on scene. Police said impairment was suspected, and the driver, whom the 8 News Now Investigators first identified Friday as Keenan Jackson, 37, was arrested at the scene.
Jackson faces charges of DUI resulting in death, reckless driving resulting in death or serious bodily harm, and driving without a valid driver’s license, records said.
Court records show his initial appearance was scheduled for May 3.
Police said speed was also possibly a factor in the incident.
“It is extremely important for drivers in our city to slow down, pay attention, keep your heads out of your phones, and look around,” police said in a video on their X page.
The Clark County School District released the following statement about the student’s death.
The Clark County School District (CCSD) is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of a student from Arbor View High School earlier today.
“Our hearts are with the family, friends, and the entire Arbor View High School community as we grieve this unimaginable loss,” said CCSD Superintendent Jhone Ebert. “She was a senior—full of promise, nearing graduation, and looking forward to a bright future.”
The District is offering support services to students and staff impacted by this tragedy, including counselors on-site at Arbor View High School.
“In this time of sorrow, I urge our community to come together,” Superintendent Ebert continued. “Please remain vigilant and cautious, especially in areas near our schools. The safety of our students is a shared responsibility, and we must continue working together to protect and support them.”
The Clark County School District extends its deepest condolences to the student’s loved ones and will continue to support the Arbor View community in the days ahead.
