Driver strikes, kills university student

GEORGETOWN (KXAN) - A 22-year-old Southwestern University student is dead after being struck by a car on Thursday night.

School officials said Robert Atkinson was crossing East University Avenue/ Texas 29 in Georgetown when the accident occurred. The accident happened around 8:15 p.m. on Dec. 4. It is an area along a stretch of the highway that is not well lit.

Atkinson was a philosophy major from California. He lived in a home across the street from the school. It was believed he was heading home when he was hit.

The driver of the car stopped immediately to help, but it was too late. The Georgetown Police Department is working with Southwestern University Police to pin down all the details of the accident. The police have not yet filed any charges against the driver.

Grief counselors were hand just hours after the accident happened as many students gathered at the student center for an impromptu memorial service for Atkinson. Some students are waking up to this disturbing news. They will also have access to counselors throughout the day.

Another memorial service is scheduled when his parents arrive in Texas. He was an only child. The California native had just turned 22 the Tuesday before he died.