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Police ID 15-year-old killed in early morning hit-and-run

Posted at 12:38 PM, Sep 30, 2014
and last updated 2014-09-30 18:30:45-04

HOLLAND, Mich. — The Ottawa County Sheriff's Office is investigating a hit-and-run crash from early Tuesday morning that killed a 15-year-old boy.

Investigators have identified the victim as Jonathan Bracamontes of Holland. He was hit by a car while walking around 6:15 Tuesday morning near the intersection of U.S. 31 and Riley Street.

Ruth Borgman, a 64-year-old woman from Grand Haven called police to report she had believed she hit something in the area, however she continued onto her way to work.

According to a statement from the Ottawa County Sheriff's Office, deputies found Bracamontes lying in the median and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

Borgman apparently told police she noticed damage to the front end of her car upon arriving to work which prompted her to call. She said she was driving south on U.S. 31 when something ran out in front of her vehicle. She never stopped.

Police say Bracamontes lived near the scene of the accident.

News of the West Ottawa High School student's death has quickly caught the attention of fellow classmates with several already posting condolences on his Facebook page.

School administrators said they learned about the accident early Tuesday morning and quickly set their crisis team into motion to bring in grief counselors for students.

Speaking on behalf of Ann Armstrong, the high school's assistant principal, Greg Warsen, assistant superintendent of employee relations and marketing said Bracamontes was 'very well liked' at the school.

“He was very relatable to a lot of different students and staff and great sense of humor and just a great presence," Warsen said.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family at this very difficult time for them and we’re certainly thinking about them."

The crash remains under investigation. It is unclear at this time if the driver will face charges.

Anyone with information about the crash is asked to call the Ottawa County Sheriffs Office at 616.738.4042 or Silent Observer 1.877.88.745368

Posts on Jonathan Bracamontes Facebook page following his death.

Posts on Jonathan Bracamontes Facebook page following his death.