At a Glance
- Calina Yu, a student at Stone Bridge High School, was fatally struck by a Loudoun County Public Schools maintenance vehicle on January 13 at 9:13 a.m.
- The crash occurred at the intersection of Claiborne Parkway and Portsmouth Boulevard in Ashburn, Virginia
- The driver, a school district employee, remained at the scene and is cooperating with authorities
- Why it matters: The incident raises safety concerns about a busy intersection near the school and has prompted community members to call for better traffic controls
A northern Virginia high school student has died after being hit by a school district vehicle just steps from her campus, triggering grief across the Loudoun County community and renewed debate over pedestrian safety.
The Incident
According to the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded to a report of a struck pedestrian at 9:13 a.m. on Tuesday, January 13. The location was the intersection of Claiborne Parkway and Portsmouth Boulevard in Ashburn, a short walk from Stone Bridge High School.
When officers arrived, they found Calina Yu unresponsive. She was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the vehicle that struck her was an employee of Loudoun County Public Schools operating a district maintenance vehicle at the time of the collision. The driver stayed at the scene and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation, authorities confirmed to News Of Losangeles.
Community Reaction
Within hours, classmates and neighbors began building a makeshift memorial near the intersection. Candles, flowers, and teddy bears now line the sidewalk where Yu lost her life.
Fifteen-year-old Lukas Domeneck, who lived near Yu, described her as approachable and kind.
“She was very nice, and she was always down to talk to anyone, very kind,” Domeneck told ABC affiliate WSET. “I play with her sometimes after school.”
Another peer, Alexander Hollar, told NBC affiliate WTVJ that Yu radiated positivity.
“She’s all smiles,” Hollar said. “She’s happy to see you, she’ll come up and hug you and have a good conversation.”
School Response
In a statement sent to parents and staff, Principal Timothy Flynn said the school community was “heartbroken.”
“A traumatic event such as this can evoke a wide range of emotions, and we know the Loudoun County community joins us in grieving alongside the student’s family,” Flynn wrote, according to WSET.
He emphasized that student and staff safety, well-being, and emotional health “remain our highest priority.” The district did not immediately respond to News Of Losangeles‘s request for additional comment.
Safety Concerns
Residents told WSET they have long worried about pedestrian safety at the intersection. Some are now urging officials to install:
- A crossing guard during school hours
- Additional traffic lights
- Clearer signage warning drivers of the school zone
Domeneck said the mood in the neighborhood was palpable.
“It was very sad. You could feel it. Many people were grieving a loss, especially if they didn’t know her,” he told WSET. “It was still sad, knowing that a student had passed away this morning.”
About Calina Yu
Yu was older than most of her classmates because she opted out of classes during the pandemic, returning to campus once in-person instruction resumed. Friends said she quickly reintegrated, making new connections and participating in after-school activities.
Investigation Status
The Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office has released few details about the circumstances leading up to the crash. Detectives are asking anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information to contact Detective Lotz at 703-771-1021.
Authorities have not indicated whether speed, visibility, or mechanical failure played a role. Likewise, officials have not announced any charges or citations against the driver, citing the ongoing investigation.
Key Takeaways
- A single-vehicle crash at a busy Ashburn intersection claimed the life of Calina Yu, a Stone Bridge High School student
- The driver, a school district employee in a maintenance vehicle, remained on scene and is cooperating
- The incident has amplified calls for improved pedestrian infrastructure near the school
- Counselors and support staff are available to students and staff as the community mourns
- Anyone with information is urged to contact the Loudoun County Sheriff’s Office
