Hempstead teen killed in traffic accident

A community is mourning the loss of a teen killed during a traffic accident in Hempstead. Ka'Juan Polley, 15, was struck by an unlicensed driver while riding his bike on Saturday, according to his

News 12 Staff

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Jul 23, 2015, 2:34 AM

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Updated 3,445 days ago

A community is mourning the loss of a teen killed during a traffic accident in Hempstead.

Ka'Juan Polley, 15, was struck by an unlicensed driver while riding his bike on Saturday, according to his family and friends. He was struck on Front Street and Cameron Avenue.

The 57-year-old driver was issued a summons after the accident.

Polley was a student at Friends Academy in Locust Valley. The boy's mother Jennifer Smith told News 12 that her son was a good student and "the happiest kid ever."

"He was our life," says Smith. "I always wanted him happy. Whatever Ka'Juan wanted, I had to make sure I got it done."

Polley's family says they do not fully blame the driver even though he was unlicensed.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help pay for Polley's funeral. So far, more than $33,000 has been raised.

Polley's family is planning a candlelight vigil Friday evening on the football field at Lincoln Park in Hempstead. They say all are welcome to attend.