By NEAL WAGNER / City Editor

An Elvin Hill Elementary School fourth-grader died after he was struck by a vehicle on Alabama 25 on April 17, according to the Alabama Highway Patrol.

Zaryn Stewart, a 10-year-old Calera resident, died after was struck by a 1998 Dodge vehicle at about 4:25 p.m. near the 124 mile marker on Alabama 25 in Columbiana.

According to the Highway Patrol office, Stewart was a pedestrian when he was struck by the vehicle.

Elvin Hill Elementary Principal Betsy Hillman said Stewart was well-liked by his peers and teachers, and said his classmates have spent the past few days reminiscing about him.

“They have made a lot of cards and sent them to the family. He was a precious young man,” Hillman said, noting Stewart was known for his sense of humor. “We are such a tight community that when something like this happens, it affects everyone.”

As of April 19, funeral arrangements were being handled by Bolton Funeral Home. Service times had not yet been finalized.