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Bluffs boy struck by a van last week has died

News

November 14th, 2016 by Ric Hanson

(Updated 7:30-a.m.)

A Pottawattamie County boy who was struck by a van last week, has died from his injuries. Council Bluffs Police say 11-year old Blake Smith, of Council Bluffs, died Saturday at Nebraska Medicine. Authorities said the boy was hit by a 2004 Ford full-size van at around 3:30-p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 9th. The driver of the van, 52-year old Rex Miles, of Council Bluffs, has not been charged.

Police say Miles was traveling west on East Kanesvillle Boulevard in the right lane. Traffic was reported to be stopped in the left, westbound lane, for a red light ahead. Miles and witnesses told police that Blake ran northbound across Kanesville and through the stopped line of vehicles in the left lane, before crossing into Miles’ path.

Miles said he didn’t see Blake right away. He tried to stop, but it was too late.  Authorities say they do not anticipate charges being filed in connection with the accident.