A 9-year-old pedestrian was struck and killed near a community festival Friday night, prompting the local school district and churches to offer support services and the cancellation of remaining Mack-A-Fest events.
Adrian Taylor-Zehr of Mackinaw was hit by a vehicle in the 100 block of North Main Street in Mackinaw around 9 p.m. Friday, authorities said. Taylor-Zehr was pronounced dead at OSF HealthCare Saint Francis Medical Center in Peoria around 10 p.m., the Peoria County coroner's office said in a statement.
The boy's "blunt-force trauma injuries ... were inconsistent with life and were sadly unsurvivable and irreversible," the coroner's office said.
State Police are investigating. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Mackinaw Police Department at (309) 359-8914.
Community response
Mackinaw is a town of about 1,800 located between Pekin and Bloomington-Normal.
The Deer-Creek Mackinaw school district said Taylor-Zehr was one of its elementary students.
“We are committed to doing everything we can to help our students, staff, and community with the grieving and healing process,” Superintendent Damon Hackett said on Facebook.
Mackinaw Christian Church planned to host a prayer service at 7 p.m. Saturday.
“In the midst of tragedy people need different things. Some want to be alone, some want to be put to work, some want to have time with family, some want to gather together in prayer. Do what you need to do tonight and if you want to pray in community know that you are welcome at this service,” the church said on Facebook.
The Dee-Mack school district is working with New Castle Bible Church in Mackinaw to offer “counseling, support, and a place for our students and community to gather” at 1 p.m. Sunday, at the church.
Mack-a-Fest, a community festival and carnival, has canceled all remaining events.
“As an event intended to build community, our hearts are broken with the loss to our community. We ask for prayers for the family and our community,” Mack-a-Fest organizers said on Facebook.
