Terrible. Just terrible. My most sincere condolences to family and friends. I have to say, living near the scene and having a child that attended the Hansen, it is not totally surprising such a tragedy occurred. Driving around that area has always been challenging and dangerous. I can't imagine being a pedestrian there. There should be at least a crossing guard there just like you'd find at most other schools.

Why is there no crossing guard at the Hansen School? The closest one is at Stone Ends. My heart goes out to the family of this poor child.

I heard all the sirens today I work at warren Trask I agree there definitely should b a crossing guard at the Hansen my thoughts and prayers go out too the family of the child and soo sorry for your loss

"One car had reportedly stopped to let them cross the busy street." This is the problem. The car should NOT have stopped as they had the right of way and so they violated the rules of the road, sadly faking out the toddler who almost reasonably assumed that because a car stopped, it was safe to cross. I see that happen all of the time, and I always think that the car stopping for me is brain-dead for assuming that because they stop (in violation of the right of way), other cars will also violate the right of way. Of course the other cars zip by and had I crossed for the car that stopped for me, I would get hit. So I just look at the car wondering what they are thinking for stopping. This makes me sick, as my daughter is about to turn three.

I can not handle seeing anyone else that says this is the mothers fault:( anyone who says this is cold hearted. This poor family just lost the most precious gift on earth their child. She wasñ three little kids can get excited and slip out of your handp. She did not say hey go play in traffic. Do not make it out to be like this poor mother is to blame . at this moment no one is to blame it was a horrific accident:(

Roman shouldn't be placing blame on the grieving family. This was an accident and the family is suffering enough for their loss. The town should have crosswalks and crossing guards on both sides of the school like every other school in stoughton. This is a tragic accident resulted from the town's lack of safty precautions. The person who stopped was clearly not the most brilliant to stop to let people cross w no crosswalk on such a dangerous road, but they did with good intentions. The poor mother witnessed her baby die and doesn't deserve people bad mouthing her online.

Roman, do u have children? Clearly not. I have a two year old, and my BIGGEST fear is him getting hit. Kids have minds of their own. They can be in the stroller one second and escaping out of the stroller running the other way the next second. I witness this activity every single day. That road is so dangerous, i cant believe there is no crossing guard at that school. I am so thankful my children go to the Gibbons school. My prayers go out to the Lutz family that somehow and someday they can find peace. If it was my child, my world would end. I could not go on :(

I was at the school when it happened. so sad! And there should be a crossing gaurd but where she crossed wasn't a crosswalk..it was where there is a slightly blind curve. I can totally see how this happened. So sad...RIP Lil Angel!

Just too sad :'(
To Shayla's family - my condolences on the loss of your beautiful little girl!

This is a disgrace, this was a horrible tragedy that I as a mother fear every day...and to post such awful things when this woman lost her child right in front of her. Where is the sense of community? We need to rally around this family and for this little girl we need to make sure this never happens again. No one should question a parent until they themselves are a parent. My heart goes out the lutz family

My deepest sympathy to the Lutz family over the loss of your beautiful and precious child. As a parent and grandparent, I hope nothing like this happens again here in Stoughton or any other town.
Michele (Stoughton Resident)

My deepest sympathy goes out to the Lutz family and my prayer to both families. This poor woman lost her child right in front of her and the driver of the truck will also live with this forever. It was a horrible accident that could have been prevented had there been a cross walk with a crossing guard in place.

We can not be so quick to blame the mom. Young children have a mind of their own. There needs to be a crosswalk closer to the school and a crossing gaurd.

My name is William Lutz. I am the father of that beautiful child. This was a tragic accident that has turned our whole family up side down. No one will ever know our pain. And at Roman your Absolute uncalled for statement. You don't know anything about what happened besides the news story. My wife did read that. So I hope you feel like a complete jerk. I really wish I knew who you are. But at everyone else we would like to thank you for your kind words. This did not happen at the blind curve. The crosswalk is at the blind curve, that is why myself and everyone else I see cross that street doesn't use that crosswalk. So before anyone places anymore negative/hurtful posts on here please put yourself in our shoes. It's not somebody else's baby to us. This is our precious baby that was taken from us. My wife already feels unnecessary guilt as it is. I love her with all my heart. And Shayla you will be forever missed. Love Daddy

...and I'm crying, from one dad to another, I'm so sorry

Dear Lutz family, God bless you all during this awful time. To the loving mother: you love your children with all that you have and you teach them all that you know. Yet, sometimes these things are in another's hands. Do not blame yourself, it could have been any of us mothers. Hugs

Every elementary school should have a traffic crossing light as well as crosswalks. We need to spend money to prevent these tragic and fatal occurences to protect our precious gifts. Find the money! Our kids are our future! To the Lutz family, may God give you strenght during this time , you are not at fault. During that time of day when school is about to end, their should have been safety measures in place.

Dear Lutz Family,
The people who write insensitive, horrible remarks are heartless and cold. The circumstances that caused this terrible tragedy are not important at this time. What is important is that this is beyond the imaginable, a parent witnessing and having to deal with the sudden death of a child. I do not know you, but I feel your loss. I sympathize with your pain, as I too had to deal with a similar tragedy almost five years ago. It is hard to make sense of those things that make no sense. May your memories of your darling daughter be a blessing, and may you all have the strength to help each of your family members through this awful time. May your little Shayla be your angel who watches and protects you. Comforting thoughts to all of you.

First off all the negative comments about it being the mothers fault all of you either gave no kids or have no heart and you should remove your comments. To the Lutz family may your daughter rest in peace. This is a tragic thing that happened and instead of making the grieving family feel worse lets support them and try to make them feel better. As a father of 2 kids I can't imagine what they are going through may god bless your family

Mr & Mrs Lutz & Family,

It has been said that "...His garden must be beautiful, He only picks the best..."

May you find comfort in that and in the memories of happy days filled with smiles and giggles, and peace in knowing your little angel has got her wings.

Out deepest sympathy,
The Trocki Family

Patch - please remove Romans comment. It is rude and insensitive. This was a tragic accident...there is no one to blame. Comments that Roman's are the last thing the family needs right now. I know about freedom of speech but come on....and to Roman - You should never judge anyone until you have been in their shoes. You are a heartless soul.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Lutz family.

My heart breaks for this family and you are in my prayers.

First - The Hansen should have a crossing gaurd.
Second - I love the idea that each school should have a traffic light for pedestrians to cross.
But we will never have any way of knowing if either of those could have prevented this. Drive by the schools that do have crossing gaurds and count the number of people who cross the street away from the guards.

To place blame on the mother is just horrible. Not only do I have my own child but have worked with preschool age children and totally understand what a horrible accident this is
.
Again my thoughts and prayers are with these families to somehow carry on with life.

So heartbreaking. I have two children and I know how easy it is for one to run off at anytime or even decide for themselves something is ok. So please patch remove Romans post. William I am so sorry for your loss. I pray your wife can find some peace.

In 30 years of working as a photojournalist I have never felt so personally saddened by any story I have covered. I was there it was an accident. I hope the Lutz family is able to someday have peace in their hearts and continue their lives. KW

I don't know what this Roman said and for that I am happy. Mr.lutz bless you and your family, I can not imagine in a million years the pain you are going through. I have 3 granddaughters and my biggest fear is your nightmare now. Your wife is the one now who needs love, prayers and lots of positive thoughts. She is not guilty and no one except one jerk thinks so. I don't know you or your family, but today everyone in Stoughton is your family. God bless you all may you somehow, somewhere find peace.

To LJB , I could not have said that any better myself and I completed agree and second your post.

Im with David with children in the stoughton school system- the children do not have the best side walks to walk to school and not nearly enough crossing guards! I drive my kids to school and now ill be picking them up with everyone distracted but texing and gpsing no wonder our kids are at risk!! STEP IT UP STOUGHTON SCHOOL SYSTEM

May the child rest in peace and guide you as a guardian angel. Mr and Mrs. Lutz , we are all here for you praying. I can understand the mom's mixed feelings and the emotions you both are going through. May the nature help you heal and provide all strength to handle the present and future....

The Rangaraman's

I did not read Roman's comments and for that I am glad. I hope it means the Patch took the comment down. It pains me that in a time of such pain and sorrow that Mrs. Lutz read them. To the Lutz family - I cannot imagine what you are going through right now, but for what it is worth please know that I and many others are thinking of you. Please know that you have an extended family in the Hansen School and if there is anything you need or anything we can do please let us know.

Deepest sympathies to the Lutz family and to the driver for the terrible loss of this child. I hope the government authorities will do what they should do to make the conditions safer for pedestrians in that dangerous area.

I was talking to a parent today whose children go to the Hansen. She told me that last year she went to Supt Rizzi about getting a crossing guard put in front of the school. This parent was told that it was not in the budget. Does it take an accident like this to realize what a dangerous area this is? I hope that Supt Rizzi will rework her budget now and do what is right. RIP little one.

I am so sorry to hear of this, Mr Lutz My prayers are with you and your family. Especially your poor wife, I have 2 daughters that went to this school and even by car it is so hard to get in and out of. I don't think a crossing guard is safe, I think it needs a police detail in the morning and afternoon. In the fall and winter the sun is blinding as you approach the school. I am so sad for this family, can't stop thinking about it.

I keep re-reading Christine's comment and it is taking up space in my head. The crosswalk is at the blind curve, that's why the crosswalk wasn't used. The accident did NOT occur at the blind curve.

To the Lutz family, my family lost our beautiful ten year old niece last August when she was run over in her family driveway. The devastation and pain was unexplainable. It was horrible to go online and read some of the aweful posts written by some very ignorant people but it was also beautiful to see the community gather around her parents and sister and truly give their support. I have three children at the Hansen and as said above, you do have an extended family there. Shayla is in our hearts and prayers.

To the Lutz family. My heart si broken for all of you. My children and I are struggling to get over the loss of their yong father killed by a drunk driver this summer. It is hard to breathe some days. It is too early to say time heals but please accept our condolences and Stoughton is a great community that really pulls together when tragedy hits. Lean on the people that are willing to be there to support. My heart breaks for all of you in this horrible time. Our thought and prayers are with you. CMB

I am the Great Aunt of this beautiful child, and I guess Roman's comments have been removed so I do not know what this heartless man said....but how could you? This is a tradedy that no parent should ever suffer....Shayla was a beautiful young girl and Missy and Billy are wonderful, caring, and loving parents. Their lives are forever altered and so many people will miss her everyday. Billy, good for you for giving such a respectful response..I don't think I would have been so tactful. As for the rest of you, unlike Roman, we all know, "there for the sake of God go I"...it could have been any one of us .....kiss your children, hug them and cherish them.

The Stoughton Schools have issued a statement in regards to Friday's tragedy. It can be found here:

http://stoughton.patch.com/articles/stoughton-schools-issue-statement-about-toddler-killed-in-collision-near-hansen-school

I can't believe someone could possibly say anything bad about the mother of this girl. Tell you what Roman my name is Rik Bagtaz and I drive a truck with RSB Construction written on the outside. If you have anything else to say about this family when you see my truck just pull me over and we can talk about privately as men. You sure are brave when you hide behind the computer.

Missy, Billy and the whole Lutz family....my heart breaks for you. My thought and prayers are with you and your family. I am so sorry you had to see hateful thoughts from a hateful uncaring person. You are a wonderful family who does not deserve such sadness and heartache. We are all family at the Hansen. If there is anything I can do for you please do not hesitate.......

What a terrible tragedy and something NO parent should have to live through.....as a parent myself, i cannot imagine the pain and sorrow the Lutz family is going through.

I did not read Roman's comment and wish i did so i can giive him a piece of my mind......what a heartless fool! Rik, i'll help you speak to this monster!!!!!

Lutz family, my deepest and sincereat condolences to you. May your strength and love of family and friensa get you through this difficult time. God has a beautiful angel in heaven with him and she will help you through xoxo

Dear Lutz family, my deepest condolences to you all. I cannot imagine the heartbreak you are experiencing. As a mother, it is simply unimaginable. I hope that you find the support and strength you need to cope with this tragic loss of your dear little girl. Please reach out to the community if you need anything at all. There are many of us who wish we could do something, anything, to help ease your pain.

Deat Lutz Family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I am heartbroken for you all. Putting that cold hearted Roman aside with his gross comments I hope you can take comfort with the out pouring of love that is on this page. We are all with you.

SHAYLA = Sweet Heavenly Angel You're Loved Always. David Martin

Shayla=Sweet Heavenly Angel You're Loved Always

It's really a shame that people can post cowardly words anonymously on blogs like this. I believe everyone in Stoughton rallies around the Lutz family in their time of tragedy. This town has always been amazing at coming together during tragic times. To the Lutz family: My sincerest condolences on the loss of your precious Shayla. If there's anything you want to do, whether it's working on safety improvements in front of schools, or a scholarship in her name, let me know. I'd be happy to share it with the community. May she Rest in Peace.

Maybe I'm missing something, but it appears that there are a number of comments on here that references "negative" or "cowardly" remarks. I guess I'm missing something because I've only read an outpouring of support for the entire Lutz family. This was an absolute tragedy and I haven't read anywhere that the Lutz are to blame for this horrible accident. If anyone is at fault here it's the town. The town placed a crosswalk in a very dangerous location that noone uses because of it's dangerous area (the corner of West St. & Central St. - an area which has countless accidents and has been mentioned in numerous recent articles the need for a light - Central/Island St. location which is diagonal from the school). Furthermore, the Rizzi/School system did not budget a crossing guard in the most dangerous and congested area for a school to be however, there are crossing guards at other schools (Dawe, Gibbons, etc.). At least by the West there is a traffic light, Hansen doesn't have a traffic lightl (although desperately needed), doesn't have a cross guard and has a ridiculously situated crosswalk. I don't think anyone is blaming the Lutz family or the driver, it was a tragic accident but without a light, cross guard or properly situated crosswalk, I'm afraid this won't be the last accident of its kind.

David Martin.... What you have written has touched me so deeply. There are no words. Please know that you have given a small piece of comfort to Shayla's mother today.
Love to you,
Melissa Lutz

Dear Lutz Family~ I do not know you...but as a parent I feel every ounce of your pain...Picking up my son at the Hansen, I learned of your tragic loss...and have not stopped thinking about you & yours since...may the memories of your sweet baby girl bring you comfort and solace in these long days ahead...I will keep your family in my prayers...

Dear Lutz Family ~ I am so very saddend by this horrible accident. My heart breaks for you. I heard the news hellicopters flying overhead that day and knew something terrible had happened. As A Christian, I know your precious little Shayla is in Heaven and will one day see you again. May God bless you all. My prayers, and those of my children are with you.

There must be no greater loss than that of a child. I pray time will heal. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

I hope no one thinks that I in any way blamed the family when I referenced the blind spot. As a driver coming around that exact curve I just notice its hard to see what's just beyond it. I in no way shape or form blame anyone in this situation. Just that I know the exact spot and as with the crosswalk is a blind spot. I have had issues in that crosswalk as well so I understand both spots. This was such a tragedy and I am sorry if my comment was hurtful. I prmise it wasn't meant to be! Both of those spots have a blind spot is all. My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to this family. They should have a crossing light there and the sign for 20MPH should be further back.

Again I am so sorry if that's how it came across! I have 3 children and I can't imagine your pain. I am truly sorry if that came across as blame, I swear to it it wasn't. I seen a comment about that spot and was trying to answer is all.

as a mom for the past 27 yrs, it is just heartbreaking to hear about your little girl. I hope the god of your understanding reaches out and comforts all of you. It truely is a parents worst nitemare when they are young to be killed by a car, and at any age there after we always worry about them. Words cannot express the sorrow you must be feeling, just unimagineable. Let people help you get thru this, you never need to be alone again.

I am sitting here struggling to find the right words to express my sadness. To the Lutz family, I do hope you know that the entire Stoughton school community is here for you and will never, ever forget your precious daughter. The pictures in the paper today show a smiling, happy little girl. You made her smile and laugh and that is a testament to your family. Please know that you and Shayla are in my thoughts and prayers.

Lutz family, we do not know each other yet, I know one day we will meet , my daughter is in class with Ashleigh and adores her. Our hearts are with your entire family daily. Please hug Ashleigh from Ava and if there is anything at anytime you need anything please reach out. For now know that your shayla is an angel.xoxo rest in peace sweet shayla!!!!!!

As awful as this was I still have to ask the question of why wasn't this little girls hand being held. Seemingly everyone in town knows how bad this road is, and yet she managed to run out into traffic. My boys are basically teens and I still hold their hands when we need to cross a street or walk through a busy parking lot. Everyone wanted to lynch the elderly woman when she hit the little girl in front of Friendly's, and yet again, why wasn't the little girl's grandfather holding her hand at a busy four lane intersection? This is just a simple tragedy, the blink of an eye and a lapse of judgement that paid the ultimate price. It is not the lack of crosswalks, lack of a crossing guard, lack of how bright the paint is.

as much as this is a terrible incident and a young life was snuffed out what appears to be most assuredly an accident..my heart goes out to the individual driving that truck...he will never be the same again...sleepless nights.and all that goes along with this...rest easy sir...she is with god now.as premature as it is..be strong lutz fam..

The Hansen school community is looking for ways to improve safety measures outside of and around our school. We are not here to blame the mother for letting go of her daughter's hand. Any parent knows that a toddler can wriggle away pretty quickly unless you have a vice grip on them. The fact stands that there is no safe way for parents/children to cross from Island or Mill St to the Hansen. Had a crossing guard been positioned outside of the school, not 1/2 mi down the road, the cars would have been stopped and they could have crossed safely to the other side. Instead, the mother was left with no choice but to cross where she did because the position of the nearest crosswalk is at a blind curve that intersects Central & West. The town is responsible for providing safe passage in and around school zones. The area around the Hansen, while it does have flashing lights, does not allow for safe crossing. It is a necessity that a crossing guard be placed at the Hansen or we will probably be faced with more preventable tragedies.

My heart goes out to the driver of the truck, Shayla's mom and the poor driver that let them go and of course Shayla's family. I have worked in healthcare for a long time and it's the preventable incidents that get me shaking my head. I am glad that the Lutz family has lots of support during this time, I hope the drivers do too.

DJ, I did not blame the superintendent. I said the Town needs to look at the safety issues regarding the Hansen school area. I did not agree with Dr. Rizzi's statements to media that said there was a crossing guard on duty because it implied there was one close by, not 1/2 mi from the scene of the accident. I do feel the town has a responsibility to its residents to provide safe passage to and from schools. It's a fact that the existing crosswalk is unsafe, it is a fact that there is no crossing guard within sight of the Hansen, it is a fact that there are no pedestrian lights on a heavily traveled road that abutts the Hansen and it is a fact that there is no sidewalk on Central Street opposite the Hansen. I never suggested removing the present crossing guard from Stone Ends. If there is a need for a crossing guard in that location then they should stay. I think the safety of our children should be paramount, not an after-thought. I don't know what BOS or SSC even are. I am just a concerned mom/resident of Stoughton who feels more could have been done to ensure safety in the Hansen School zone. It is possible that no amount of safety measures could have prevented this accident but as I see it now, we had very few safety measures in place and the likelihood of a serious/fatal accident occurring was inevitable. If meetings take place that invite residents to attend/speak, I will be there. I'm sure I'll have more to say.

Dear Lutz Family ~ I am so very saddend by this horrible accident...My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

From shah Family