Cheyenne teen hospitalized after hit by car in crosswalk

A 14-year-old Cheyenne student was hospitalized with multiple broken bones after a vehicle struck her while she was crossing the street in a crosswalk. The crash happened at 7:28 a.m. on Monday, just as the girl was making her way to school. Madison Barbee, the victim's aunt and legal guardian, received a frantic phone call from the girl's mother immediately after the accident.

Upon arrival at the hospital, doctors confirmed the student suffered three broken ribs and a broken collarbone. The patient also sustained road rash across most of her body. Barbee noted a painful coincidence in the location of the crash. Her aunt had been struck by a vehicle at that exact intersection 10 years earlier while attending Cheyenne High School. Although Barbee recovered from that previous incident, she expressed frustration that the intersection still lacks pedestrian signs.

The city council has discussed the safety of this intersection several times in the past. Repeated crashes involving pedestrians and vehicles have been a recurring concern for local officials. City workers are currently working to implement changes to improve safety at the site. The recent injury to the student has renewed attention on the need for better signage and protection for walkers.

Cheyenne Police Chief Mark Francisco is urging drivers to exercise heightened caution during peak traffic hours. He specifically highlighted the morning and afternoon rush hours when students are traveling to and from school. Police investigators have not yet determined whether speed or driver distraction played a role in Monday's collision. The department is continuing to review the details of the incident.

The crash serves as a stark reminder of the risks pedestrians face in the city. The victim remains in the hospital while she recovers from her injuries. The legal guardian is working with the city to ensure the intersection receives the necessary safety updates. Residents in the area are asking for increased vigilance from motorists until permanent changes are in place.