Leawood Police have confirmed a local elementary school student who was critically injured this month when he was struck while riding an electric scooter has died.
On Thursday, the Leawood Police Department announced that Duke Ommert had died from injuries sustained in the crash, which occurred Oct. 13 near the intersection of 103rd Street and Lee Boulevard.
“The Leawood Police Department has learned that Duke Ommert passed away at the hospital where he was being treated,” a department statement read.
A representative for Duke’s family also confirmed the boy’s death on a post on on the website Caring Bridge, which allows people to share news and information about health-related matters and medical procedures.
“It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Duke,” Ken Bassham wrote on Duke’s CaringBridge page. “Ryan and Monica [Duke’s parents] have mentioned they simply do not have enough words to express their appreciation for the outpouring of support for Duke over these last 8 days”
The Caring Bridge post did not mention funeral arrangements for Duke and said his family was asking for privacy. In the post, Bassham said they would post more updates when news became available.
“He is so special to so many of us and his legacy will live on,” Bassham wrote.
Duke was a fourth grader
Duke Ommert was fourth grader at Brookwood Elementary in Leawood.
Police said he was riding an electric scooter late on the afternoon of Monday, Oct. 13, when he was struck by a vehicle near 103rd and Lee.He was was taken to an area hospital in critical condition.
While in the hospital, the family received support in multiple ways. A GoFundMe campaign for Duke has raised more than $118,000 since going live soon after the crash.
A private prayer vigil for Duke was held at Leawood Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, Oct. 14.
Local officials express condolences
In a statement on social media, the Leawood Police Department expressed their sadness for Duke and his family.
“As we’ve learned throughout the last two weeks, Duke was a young man with a love of sports, his friends, and his family. Our thoughts and deep condolences are with the Ommert family and friends during this difficult time,” they stated.
On Facebook, Overland Park City Councilmember Greg Riess stated his condolences on behalf of the city council.
“We are heartbroken to learn of the passing of Duke Ommert,” he wrote.
The Leawood Police Department also expressed their thanks for everyone who came to Duke’s aid after the crash.
The are still asking any witnesses that haven’t spoken to investigators about what they saw to contact them at 913-642-7700 or tips@leawood.org.
