11-year-old died after he was struck by a vehicle, Taylor police said

An 11-year-old boy tragically passed away after being hit by a car while crossing the street in Taylor on Tuesday afternoon, according to police.  

The boy, who has been identified by family as Jacob Robinson, was in the sixth grade at Grandport Academy in Ecorse Public Schools. 

Taylor Police say the incident happened shortly before 6:30 p.m. Tuesday near Eureka and Inkster roads. The boy was taken to an area hospital, where he died a short time later. 

Jacob's mother, Tonoya Robinson, says it was still daylight when Jacob left home to go to the store on the other side of Eureka Road, where they live. She said she got off the phone with Jacob roughly 10 minutes before hearing sirens and knew something was wrong.

"I heard ambulances, and I heard a lot of police cars. I just followed my right mind, and I went outside," she said. 

Tonoya Robinson says her son was on the honor roll and a member of Grandport Academy's leadership program. 

Police say the driver is cooperating with the investigation, and drugs and alcohol don't seem to be factors.

Investigators say the stretch of road where the incident occurred comes with specific risks for drivers and pedestrians.

"We do have several apartments across the street, and we do have dining establishments, stores, and fast food restaurants across the street, so people should walk down to Inkster Road and use the crosswalk there, but people can obviously cross the street," said Taylor Police Lt. Alex Stellini. 

The vice president of the company that owns the apartments says they're considering taking action to make crossing Eureka Road safer.  

"I think crosswalk, a blinking light, anything. If you live in a more affluent neighborhood, you have those, so we're gonna get one here," said William Epps, vice president of McKinley Management. 

In the meantime, Ecorse Public Schools is offering counseling services to Grandport staff and students over the next few days.