A 19 year old was knocked down and killed this morning in Burrell Boom. Kendell Goff had just got off a bus and was crossing the road when an oncoming vehicle hit him. His sister was one of the first on the scene to see his mangled body on the pavement. It is even more of a blow for the family because the man who knocked Goff down, is a family friend. Courtney Weatherburne has more on this fatal accident.
Courtney Weatherburne reporting
Before the break of dawn, Kendell Goff races down from him upstairs home to his mother's kitchen for breakfast. He then gets ready and leaves for work. It is a routine his family has gotten accustomed to over the years. But this morning, he broke out of that humdrum and hopped on the 5:00 Mcfadzen bus. That's after Goff's father had told him 3 times that he should ride with him instead.
Evan Goff, Father
"He doesn't ride the bus. If he left the truck outside, he rides with me. Unfortunately, he refused to ride with me this morning."
Goff took the bus from his Double Head Cabbage home to Burrell Boom near the Horse Track. That's where he stopped off to get his truck from this yard. But he never made it. He was knocked down and killed as he crossed the road.
George Pook, Mcfadzen Bus Driver
"He came on the bus. I stopped at Burrell Boom to pick up some passengers. He came out and walked right in front of my bus. He just peeped, saw a vehicle coming, I thought he was going to wait, but he just ran across the road and got hit."
Courtney Weatherburne, reporter
"He didn't make it across to the other side?"
George Pook, Mcfadzen Bus Driver
"No he didn't make it across. He was just about to make it when he was hit."
55-year-old Christopher Vernon has been charged with manslaughter by negligence, cause death by careless conduct and drove without due care and attention. Now turns out, Vernon is a family friend and the family hopes that in this time of need, Vernon will assist.
Evan Goff, Father
"Hopefully if he has a heart he will try to come and do something. He's my friend, I view him as a good friend."
But no amount of help will bring their loved one back.
Evan Goff, Father
"He is my last child; I think I will live with this for the rest of my life."
Goff's family says he was planning on buying a house and putting it on their farm land.
As you heard, Vernon has been charged. Today in court, he was released on a bail of $4,000. His case was adjourned until April 9th.
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