Simi Valley trying to cope with death of 9-year-old who fell in front of car

SIMI VALLEY, Calif. (KABC) -- A Simi Valley school community is trying to heal after a student was struck and killed by a car on Thursday.

Grief counselors were on hand at Madera Elementary School, where 9-year-old Angel Zevallos fell in front of a vehicle after engaging in a pushing game with some classmates.

"Several of the students were walking home from school on Royal Avenue," said Cmdr. Joseph May with the Simi Valley Police Department. "And they were involved in a little game of pushing and shoving with each other, some playfulness going on, on the sidewalk, when one of the students fell into the street into the path of an oncoming vehicle."

The car was moving slowly, but was unable to stop in time, police said.

Zevallos was critically injured and later died at a nearby hospital. Police say the driver was not speeding and there was no malicious intent.

School officials are now doing everything they can to help students cope with the tragic loss.

"This is a parent's worst nightmare. This is our worst nightmare," said Jake Finch with the Simi Valley Unified School District. "We have on hand today more than a dozen counselors and therapists and different types of specialists to help both staff and students."

A memorial has been building at the site of the accident, as community members leave flowers, candles, stuffed toys and messages for the family.

The family of Angel Zevallos issued a statement thanking the public for the support.

"The Hoke family would like to thank our family, friends and community for their amazing outpouring of love and support in our time of grief. The loss of our beloved Angel was a tragic accident and he will be missed by all that were touched by his life."

The community is holding a candlelight vigil for the family at 8 p.m. Friday at the Royal High School parking lot, 1402 Royal Avenue, Simi Valley.

Also a GoFundMe account has been set up to help the family.