Indiana agency’s crowdfunding to honor IPS student killed while crossing street

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) — The state is stepping in to assist make a memorial playground potential.

The Indiana Housing and Group Improvement Authority has introduced a $50,000 marketing campaign to construct Hannah’s Memorial Playground.

Hannah Crutchfield died in September when she was hit by a automotive whereas crossing Washington Road in Irvington. Her mom and a crossing guard have been additionally injured within the crash.

Shortly after Hannah died, her classmates at George Julian College 57 determined to rebuild their previous playground in her honor. To this point, they’ve raised about $80,000 however want $200,000 to finish the undertaking.

On Wednesday, Lt. Gov. Suzanne Crouch stated if the college raises $50,000 by June, the Indiana Housing Group Improvement Authority’s CreatINg Locations program will match it.

“I’m simply proud to announce right this moment the launching of a marketing campaign to boost $100,000 to make over this playground in honor of Hannah Crutchfield,” stated the Republican lieutenant governor.

Hannah’s loss of life has left many households in Irvington heartbroken.

“She is gone due to street rage and reckless driving,” Hannah’s mother, Cassandra Crutchfield, stated.

She stated it has additionally heightened the necessity for safer streets within the space.

“Issues want to alter. We have to prioritize pedestrian and biking security, not simply right here in Irvington however throughout our metropolis,” Crutchfield stated.

She and lots of different mother and father have spent the final a number of months making their voices heard on the statehouse. Their efforts have gained help from state Rep. Blake Johnson, a Democrat who has beforehand launched laws to scale back reckless driving in class zones.

“There have been many, many days on the statehouse this final session the place I walked down the hallways and noticed Cassandra there, and I can’t picture the energy it takes in any case this has occurred to point out up and persuade a bunch of usually white previous males to do the precise factor. I hope that you just’ll all be there together with her as a result of she’s already instructed me she’s going to be there on a regular basis to assist us get some stuff achieved over there,” Johnson stated.

You may donate to Hannah’s Memorial Playground right here.