FOND DU LAC, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) — The Fond du Lac community is mourning the loss of a 7-year-old boy.
Police say David Custance died Sunday morning, after being struck by a car Friday evening.
It was along a stretch of E. Pioneer Road, near the Pioneer Square apartments, where Fond du Lac Police say David Custance was hit by an SUV. Police say the boy was playing with his sister, near the roadway, when the accident happened.
According to Fond du Lac Police Chief Aaron Goldstein, “David decided to cross the road and without any warning, crossed the road in front of a vehicle that was traveling westbound on Pioneer and was struck.”
Authorities say the 53-year old driver of the SUV, a Fond du Lac resident, made the initial call to 911 to report the accident. Police say the driver remained at the scene and has been cooperative through the investigation.
“I can tell you, with what we’ve looked into thus far, we’ve had the WI State Patrol do a full accident reconstruction, so still waiting for that investigation. We also did a blood draw, we’ll wait for that if there’s anything in the toxicology. But there’s nothing today that suggests anything criminal. There’s nothing today that suggests anything that there’s a traffic violation. This truly is a community tragedy.”
Custance, a student at Pier Elementary School, had just finished the first grade. The district making counselors available, Monday morning, to help students, staff and families deal with the tragedy.
District officials say they had several students, their families, and staff members stop by.
In a statement, the Fond du Lac School District said,
The Fond du Lac School District has learned that David Custance, who recently finished first grade at Pier Elementary School, has died from injuries he sustained after being struck by a vehicle on Friday.
This is a devastating time for our entire community. Counselors will be available to assist any students who may need help processing this news from 10a-12p tomorrow, Monday, at Pier.
We will share information on memorial services for David as soon as we know more. In the meantime, please join us in keeping his family and friends in your thoughts. Thank you for your support during this difficult time.
Police Chief Aaron Goldstein reiterating those comments, adding, “This is hard. This truly hits as a tragedy for this entire community.”
A GoFundMe set up by an uncle of Custance has raised more than $5,000 to help pay for the boy’s funeral. The fund’s organizer says any remaining funds will help his sister, brother-in-law, and two nieces deal with this tragedy.
