David "Mr. Dave" Spatz, the elementary school crossing guard so many families counted on to get their kids safely across the street, is in critical condition after being hit by a car Monday morning while on duty near Kedron Elementary School. The longtime presence in the crosswalk was rushed to a trauma center, and neighbors and school families have been anxiously trading updates and offering support.
School officials identified the guard as David Spatz, known to students simply as "Mr. Dave," and said the driver stopped and stayed at the scene, according to CBS News Atlanta. Emergency crews took Spatz to Grady Memorial Hospital. In a message to families, Principal Lindsay Boyle said he was alert as he was taken away and described him as "a familiar and caring presence" for students and their parents.
The community has quickly moved from shock to action. A GoFundMe set up to support Spatz’s recovery has pulled in more than $20,000 toward a $28,000 goal. The fundraiser describes him as "the man who makes them feel seen, safe and special on their way to school," according to CBS News Atlanta. Organizers say the money will go toward medical expenses, rehabilitation and helping his family as he recovers.
A dangerous job for those who keep kids safe
The work that crossing guards do on those hectic curbsides is far from routine. An investigation by The Associated Press and Cox Media Group found that at least 230 crossing guards in 37 states were hit by vehicles in the past decade, and nearly three dozen of them were killed. The report notes that crossing-guard and flagger jobs rank among the most dangerous lines of work. Advocates point to distracted driving, speeding and road designs that favor fast vehicle flow over pedestrian safety as common factors in these incidents.
How neighbors are pitching in
Parents have been leaving notes and messages of support, and donors are continuing to add to the online fundraiser to help cover mounting costs. School leaders have asked families to keep Spatz and his loved ones in their thoughts while officials share updates. We will update this story as new information becomes available.
