9 year old boy fatally struck by car

There will be counselors and therapists available at Green Elementary School to support students and staff after the death of a 9 year old boy who was hit and killed by a car on Friday.  The Summit County Sheriff’s Office said a man was driving on Peachwood Way around 4:30pm, near Samuel Rife’s house when the vehicle hit the young boy who ran into the street.  The child was transported to Akron Children’s Hospital and later pronounced dead.  Samuel was the son of J. Harlen Rife, pastor of the Greensburg United Methodist Church, and his wife Madeline.  The boy’s mom said Sam was playing baseball with a friend in their yard before the crash.  The Summit County Sheriff’s Office stated in a media release that the crash remains under investigation.  The driver of the jeep was identified as an 81 year old man from Green.  Neither speed nor impairment appear to be a factor.  A vigil was held in Sam Rife’s honor last night at the Green Central Park Amphitheater. The 9 year old boy was described as outgoing, full of energy, loved baseball, and had a passion for helping others, often volunteering at food banks.