Mobile child hit by car passes away

MOBILE, Alabama (WALA) - UPDATE: Mobile police say eight-year-old Tyler Autry was killed in an accident over the weekend. The woman who was behind the wheel is now behind bars.

Police say 50-year-old Kathy Gafford was arrested Monday evening.

Gafford is charged with obstruction of justice for giving a false name at the accident scene.

Gafford is set for a bond hearing on Wednesday.

2:36 p.m. Mobile police say an eight-year-old boy was killed in an accident over the weekend. They say Tyler Autry was crossing the street with his mother when a Toyota Camry hit them and two other parked cars.

Tyler Autry was a kid with a good attitude and a big heart.

He left a huge impression upon his principal, Ashtiny Cleveland.

"He just loved life and he will be greatly missed," said Cleveland.

The second grade student at Allentown Elementary was hit by a car just after 10:00 Saturday morning.

Mobile police say he and his mother were crossing the street on Zeigler Circle West.

Autry died of his injuries on Sunday. The 38-year-old mother is still in the hospital.

"It was very shocking. It's one of those things that you are in disbelief that it has taken place, especially when it's a little baby you saw on Friday and to know that he would not be getting off the bus on Monday. It was extremely devastating to all of us," said Cleveland

Additional counselors were on campus Monday to help Autry's teachers and classmates deal with the loss.

"The counselor and I went in this morning and I talked with the students not in detail, but gave some basic facts. They wrote letters to Tyler's mother and father. As soon as the opportunity presents itself, we will definitely make sure they receive those items," Cleveland added.

The driver of the car has not been charged. Police do not believe alcohol or speeding was a factor in the incident.

"We are still trying to figure out what happened. It is still under investigation," said Officer Chris Levy with the Mobile Police Department.

Police say the Toyota Camry also hit two parked cars.

Funeral arrangements have not been announced for the child.