Jacksonville State University student struck by vehicle has passed away

JACKSONVILLE, Ala. (WBRC) - A Jacksonville State University student struck by a vehicle in a crosswalk near campus Wednesday has died.

A spokesperson with UAB Hospital confirms Leah Tarvin passed away Friday.

A pastor connected to her family confirms an honor walk was held at UAB before her organs were donated.

Jacksonville State University posted the following statement on Facebook following Tarvin’s death:

Jacksonville Police Department released the following statement after her death:

Jacksonville State University student Leah Tarvin, 22, completed her gift-giving journey through organ donation at approximately 10:30 a.m. Monday morning, according to Jacksonville police Chief Marcus Wood, ensuring through her decision to become an organ donor that others will live.
Leah was struck by a vehicle Nov. 2 while crossing Alabama 21 near Brewer Hall on the university campus. Leach was treated at the scene and later flown by helicopter to UAB, where she remained until she was transferred to Legacy of Hope, an organ donation center in Birmingham, on Friday.
Leah’s death is not likely new information to many at this point, but the Jacksonville Police Department would like to ensure that the community knows that even through her loss, she created more good in the world.
“I talked to her parents this weekend, and they wanted people to know Leah had made the choice years ago to be an organ donor, which they wanted to honor,” Wood said Monday morning. “They said Leah loved to help people, and this is another way she can still do that.”
While investigators continue their work, we would ask that everyone continue to offer their prayers and support to Leah’s family and friends as they navigate this difficult time.
There is no further information to release at this time.
Marcus Wood, Jacksonville Chief of Police

Tarvin was struck by a vehicle in a crosswalk near Brewer Hall on Wednesday near the Jacksonville State University campus, according to the university.

She was treated on the scene by medical personnel before being transported to UAB Hospital via helicopter. Authorities say she suffered “serious injuries.”

Leah Tarvin. — Leah Tarvin.(Source: Jacksonville State University)

According to Jacksonville Police Chief Marcus Woods, the accident occurred at approximately 5:54 p.m. on Highway 21.

Police said that it is too early to say if the driver will face charges, but that they will present information to the district attorney.

JSU President Killingsworth released the following statement on Facebook:

Pedestrian accidents like the one that occurred Wednesday evening have, unfortunately, become all too common at JSU. For decades, members of the JSU community have been injured or even killed while crossing the two state highways that intersect our campus. We have already had four pedestrians injured in three accidents on these roadways this year.
Since Highways 21 and 204 are state-controlled, it limits the university and city's ability to make improvements to keep our community safe. Representatives from the university and the City of Jacksonville have met with the Alabama Department of Transportation as recently as March to request their assistance, but were told the crash data does not warrant any additional precautions. We have already reached out, once again, for assistance.
As you continue to keep Leah Tarvin and her family in your prayers, we ask that you also consider voicing your concerns to ALDOT at https://www.dot.state.al.us/reportaconcern.html. This is a heartbreaking situation, and the university will continue to fight to protect our community.
JSU President Killingsworth

ALDOT released this statement in response to Killingsworth:

Display from students and friends on campus. — Display from students and friends on campus.(Source: Jacksonville State University)

Display from students and friends on campus. — Display from students and friends on campus.(Source: Jacksonville State University)

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