Girl, 12, Struck and Killed by Semi-Truck While Trying to Cross Street on Bike

A 12-year-old girl tragically lost her life after being struck by a semi-truck while riding her bike in Indiana.

On Tuesday, Sept. 23, Allison Lowery was attempting to cross the street at the intersection of Sharon Road and State Route 66 in Newburgh when the tractor-trailer hit her, according to NBC affiliate WFIE, the Courier & Press, and CBS affiliate WEVV.

“I really believe this was a tragic accident, that’s why they’re called an accident,” Warrick County Sheriff Michael Wilder told WFIE. He noted that it remains unclear why Allison “proceeded out into the intersection in front of [the driver].”

“I’m sure it was an accident, but that part I can’t answer at this point,” Wilder added. “We may not be ever able to.”

At the scene, Wilder said witnesses shared what they had seen, and state police were assisting in reconstructing the incident.

In an update on Wednesday, Sept. 24, Wilder told WFIE that the semi-truck driver had the right of way.

“He did have a green light, and we really don’t believe his speed was a factor,” the sheriff explained. The driver attempted to brake before the crash, and authorities do not anticipate filing any criminal charges, WFIE reported.

The Warrick County Sheriff’s Office and Warrick County Coroner did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s requests for comment.

“First and foremost, what we’re going through is nothing compared to what that family is going through,” Wilder said. “But it is tough on our officers, it’s tough on our dispatchers. Those are the difficult aspects of law enforcement and first response, even for the citizens who were first on the scene and witnessed it.”

In the wake of the tragedy, a family friend has set up a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses.

“Allison’s life was tragically cut short in a devastating accident. Her sudden passing has left the Lowery family heartbroken,” organizer Stephen Russ wrote.

“Your generosity will help celebrate Allison’s memory,” he added, “and remind the Lowery family that they are not walking through this valley alone.”