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SYRACUSE — A 14-year-old boy died Tuesday morning, a day after he was struck twice and pinned under a vehicle, police said.
Dakota Kilburn was crossing the street in the crosswalk in front of Syracuse Junior High School at 1450 S. 2000 West around 8:30 p.m Monday. Kilburn was hit by a car traveling southbound and propelled into oncoming traffic in the northbound lanes, according to Syracuse police.
Kilburn was pinned under another vehicle, but onlookers jumped into action and lifted the vehicle, freeing Kilburn. He was airlifted to Primary Children's Hospital in critical condition and died Tuesday, officials said.
"The family has asked for privacy, and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time," police said in a prepared statement.
Tributes to Dakota filled social media, many referring to him as "Kota" or "Kota Bear." Dakota was a ninth-grader at Syracuse Junior High and a member of the school's wrestling team. His favorite team was the Minnesota Vikings, and students were encouraging each other to wear purple to school Wednesday to honor Dakota.
"Dakota was just a great kid. He was a great student, good natured and funny, and several students remember the many times he would make them laugh and feel good," the Davis School District said in a statement.
"He was a member of the Syracuse Junior High School Singers, a member of the school wrestling team and just someone that others enjoyed being around. Members of the district's crisis team were at the school today and will also be at the school (Wednesday) for any student or faculty member who are struggling with Dakota's loss."
His wrestling team will be holding a vigil for Kilburn Wednesday from 8:15 p.m. until 10 p.m. at Syracuse Junior High School and a GoFundMe* has been set up to help the family pay for funeral expenses.
More information will be released as it is received.
Contributing: Pat Reavy
*KSL.com does not assure that the monies deposited to the accounts will be applied for the benefit of the persons named as beneficiaries. If you are considering a deposit to the account, you should consult your own advisors and otherwise proceed at your own risk.
