Orange Park, Fla.-- The family of a 14 year old hit by a car outside Orange Park High School is speaking out.
Jessica Barnes says her little sister is stubborn, but perfect. The two are close and see each other every day at school. On Thursday, Jessica was just feet away when Heather Barnes darted out into traffic. Heather was hit, and is now fighting for her life in the hospital. "I was able to see her yesterday, but I didn't want to see her the way she looked like," said Jessica.
The 14-year-old is in a medically induced coma with a head injury. Police say she was jaywalking. Now her sister wants to make sure it doesn't happen again. "I think it's bound to happen again if someone doesn't do something," said Jessica.
She says the problem is a lack of a school zone in front of Orange Park High School. So cars can drive 40, instead of 15 miles an hour like other schools in the district.
Jessica is starting a petition to get it changed. We found out the school board asked the DOT to put one there back in 2009. They denied the request. So we asked the DOT why there wasn't a school zone. They say it's because there are two traffic lights just feet apart in front of the school.
But that's not enough for this family, who are just hoping this teen will pull through. "She's not going anywhere," said Jessica. "Thoughts and prayers. That's what we need. Give her a chance to heal," said Heather's Aunt, Pandora Byrne.
No charges will be filed against the driver. Barnes is still in critical condition at Shands.
