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The mother of an 11-year-old Moroni Elementary School student who died Thursday after she was hit by a car while riding a bike to school wants the driver of the vehicle to know she forgives him.
"I want the driver to know, I hold no ill feelings," said Ruth Christensen, mother of 11-year-old Heather Dawn Christensen. "It was a tragic accident."
Christensen said in an interview Saturday that since the passing of her daughter, many disparaging comments and rumors have been made about whether the driver was legally in the United States or if he had insurance. She said she doesn't know the identity of the person who hit her daughter, but if she could meet the individual she would let him know none of the allegations matter.
"We are all human beings and have tragic accidents," she said, adding that the guilt the individual will carry for the rest of his life is enough burden.
The driver's citizenship or proof of insurance were not made public by law enforcement because of the pending investigation.
Christensen said she is financially responsible for the burial of her daughter.
The accident happened around 8 a.m. near the school at the intersection of 200 West and 200 North, said Moroni Police Chief Tim Hunsaker.
The girl was riding in an unmarked crossing area when she was hit. Hunsaker said the driver, who had three passengers inside his minivan, said he didn't see her.
The girl was taken to Sanpete Valley Hospital in Mount Pleasant and then flown to Primary Children's Medical Center in Salt Lake City, where she died.
"She is our little angel that is now with the angels," Christensen said.
Hunsaker said Friday the driver would be cited, but specific charges had not yet been determined.