High school senior killed by a car while walking to a band competition

A 17-year-old high school senior was hit and killed by a car while walking to school Saturday morning.

Authorities told Channel 2's Matt Johnson the student, Larry Gardner Jr., was walking to catch a bus to a band competition when a driver struck him from behind.

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It happened on a stretch of Highway 401 that has no sidewalks or crosswalks. Investigators told Johnson it's unclear if he was on the grass or on the edge of the road.

"It could have been any kid it just happened to be ours," said his father, Larry Gardner Sr.

Gardner Jr. was a popular high school senior, known as the soul of the Adiarsville High School marching band.

"I've just been blessed to be his mom for 17 years," said Contheria Gardner.

His parents said he was a gentle soul whose kindness was on display even when he wasn't playing the drums.

"If I want to remember his legacy it was love, love and compassion, and thats what I'm taking with me," said Contheria Gardner.

That's why it's been difficult for the community to cope with Gardner's death.

Gardner Sr. told Johnson he has no anger, only compassion, while Georgia State Patrol says charges against the 31-year-old driver are pending.

"At this time we need to wrap our arms around the person and love them and encourage them through this," Gardner Sr. said.

What's getting the family through the tragedy is the support from friends and strangers.

"When you have somebody that has an impact that reaches well beyond your local community you know you were blessed with an angel," Gardner Sr. said.

Georgia State Patrol told Johnson the incident is under investigation.

Cox Media Group