BLOG.NICHOLASSCROGGS.COM

Reader comments to QuickDFW news coverage

2008-12-23T19:20:00Z

Yo quiero expresar mis condolencias a los padres y familiares de este niño que fallecio yo nunca lo conoci pero tengo un hijo en esta misma escuela y de esta edad y solo el pensar como madere una perdida asi me a desecho el corazon desde el dia que esto sucedio me he llenado de tristeza y mis oraciones estan con ustedes pidiendole a Dios todos los dias por el consuelo para sus corazones se que toda palabra hoy es inutil pero su hijo vivira eternamente no solo con Dios pero en sus corazones, en su alma, en su mente y en sus pensamientos. su recuerdo siempre estara vivo, sus memorias sus sonrisas sus bromas, su niñez, sus besos, y abrazos viviran eternamente en ustedes y los mantendra vivos. Dios los fortalezca, los bendiga, y les de el consuelo que nesecitan.

Posted by Robert Scroggs

Celebration Services for Nicholas Alexander Scroggs (14) of Grand Prairie, TX, will be 2:00p.m. Tuesday, December 16, 2008 at the Ruthe Jackson Center in Grand Praire. Nicholas died December 11, 2008 in Grand Prairie. He was born to Robert and Barbara Dent Scroggs August 18, 1994 in Denton and was attending Grand Prairie High School. Nick was taking a full slate of Gifted & Talented classes at Grand Prairie High School where he was also a member of the swim team and a friend to everyone. He had a passion for reading, drawing, and playing all types of musical instruments, especially the drums. He was always gung- ho about trying new experiences and his smile and energy were contagious to everyone. Left behind to cherish his memory are parents Robert Scroggs and his wife Katherine of Grand Prairie, Barbara Brumbaugh and her husband Don of NRH, brother Houston Chapman, sister Madalyn Brumbaugh, grandparents Jack and Charlotte Scroggs of Denton and Charles and Lee Dent of Poncha Springs, CO, great grandmothers Genevieve Scroggs of Denton and Ethel Dill of Fort Collins, CO, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins who also loved him dearly. Memorial contributions are suggested to the Nicholas Scroggs Memorial Fund. www.homesteadfuneralhomes.com

Posted by my2girls

I just happened to this site by total accident. It just appeared on my computer but I feel so compelled to make a post. Teenagers brains are not fully developed. The are incapable of really understanding consequences of their behavior. It is a biological fact. Good kids make errors in judgment. I just can not imagine the grief. You would just have to put me in the casket too. I have a favorite poem and I want to share it with the family. I hope it offers some kind of condolence. I understand that nothing anyone can say right now will help. But maybe someday, this poem will. I am so very sorry. The author is Edgar Guest. "A Child of Mine" I will lend you, for a little time,a child of mine, He said. For you to love the while he lives, and mourn for when he's dead. It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three. But will you, till I call him back, take care of him for Me? He'll bring his charm to gladden you, And should his stay be brief, You'll have his lovely memories, As solace for your grief. I cannot promise he will stay, Since all from earth return, But there are lessons taught down there, I want this child to learn. I've looked the wide world over, In search of teacher true. And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes, I have selected you.  Now will you give him all your love, Nor think the labour vain. Nor hate me when I come To take him home again? I fancied when I heard them say, "Lord, Thy will be done." For all the joys Thy child shall bring, The risk of grief we'll run. We'll shelter him with tenderness, We'll love him while we may, And for happiness we've known, Forever grateful stay. But should the angels call for him, much sooner than we"ve planned. We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, And try to understand." May God Bless you. I am so sorry.

Posted by OldMom

As parents, we do our very best to wrap our children in our love. We buckle them up and adjust the temperature of our water heaters. We hold their hands, and help them learn to cross streets. We oversee homework, pack lunches, attend school-sponsored meetings. We say, "Be safe, be smart, be careful, I love you..." Nick's family surrounded him with their love and attention. They were available to enjoy his effervescent energy and sweet spirit. Whether it was chaperoning camp or taking photos at programs and events, they were there, sharing the parenting of our kids. Even the best of kids from the most caring of families make mistakes that make no sense. Please, God, let this tragedy help our kids to recognize how important each of them is!

Posted by mag500

This Is Sad To Know Another Student From GPHS Has Died. I Never Knew Him Personally but I Have Seen Him Before At School, He Was Always So Happy.    RIP NICK.

Posted by RebeccaK

Robert - I can not begin to tell you how horrible I feel for you and your family. You are in our thoughts and prayers and if there is ANYTHING we can do, please let Deb know. I remember when I met you and Nicholas and just remember how happy you both were! Your loss breaks my heart. Love is being sent your way – Becky

Posted by badfinger

I really wish the media would research "facts" before distributing news to the public. These kids were not skipping school. When there is a swim meet, the swim team members get out at 2 pm. My son is on that swim team. I don't want people reading this article thinking that the boy would be alive if he wasn't "skipping" school.

Posted by Amy from Gp

We are going to miss you Nick!  An awesome friend, that made everyone laugh with his funny jokes.Prayers for all his friends and family, Through this hard moments. He is in a better place.   Love, Velazquez Family

Posted by grandprairiemommy

Prayers for the family, friends and the driver. This has got to be one of the most devastating things that could ever happen to a parent. My heart hurts for everyone who knew this young man and those who witnessed his final moments.I pray God will give them the strength and comfort to get through this tragedy.

Posted by free_falesteen

Oh that’s right Yellowfever – at 14 years of age you were so smart and new everything Who cares whether or not he was in a hurry!! A child is dead!

Posted by Jason s Dad

Is was one year nine months and three days ago, I sat with my wife wondering why our son crossed a hwy just a short way down from an underpass. Mr. and Mrs. Scroggs, There are no words or actions to help the pain and disbelief that has devastated your world today. As I read the news of your son my broken heart cracked even more. I wish there was something I could say or do to help you with everything you are to endure. Yes your son is with the Lord and in good hands but as a parent we want them to remain with us because that is where they belong. We ask why and receive no reasons, tomorrow's come and go jet with out you child it is just another day. Our prayers are with you and your family and friends, May the Love from each other help you in the days, weeks ,months, and years ahead. I'm here for you 972-781-8528 myspace.com/carlord16 is Jason's myspace page that we left up so everyone that knows him can visit , there are some poems I wrote to help me cope with the pain. God Bless

Posted by Anne 1996

I too passed right after the accident, I have had spells all afternoon/evening/night of flashbacks to the scene. I was lucking enough not to see him. Although the blood at the scene and his friend collapsing not far from the body...is haunting in its own right.

Posted by Pooua

spiritualgirl, I wish I could console all of you for your loss. I hope that someone is there for his friend, who came back for him. It is tragic that someone so gifted has left us so soon.

Posted by spiritualgirl

Amazing how some people can act as if they don't have a clue how devastating such a loss can be. Don't you know that Nicholas' family will read this? His dad, his mom, his brother!!!  I knew Nicholas and I've known his father since we were just a few years older than Nicholas is now. I can attest to Nicholas being a BRILLIANT child, and I don't mean "generally" - I mean measurably and provable!!  What he could have done for the world --- we will never know. It is a loss to us ALL without a doubt.  Check yourself. Hope this never happens to anyone you love - or to you.

Posted by Pooua

This young man's decision, unfortunately, is not that uncommon among children. I remember a 9 year-old girl who was killed in Albuquerque several years ago, when she and her friends tried to run across a major freeway. They had done it several times on previous days, but that day she changed her mind mid-way across. I understand that another young man in the Metroplex died this same way last year. Just go to any college town and try to drive the roads near the college when the students are going between classes; they don't even give a thought to stepping out in front of traffic anywhere they happen to be.   Sometimes, teenagers make bad decisions. When I was about 15 years old, I was riding a moped on the right shoulder of a 4-lane highway, when I made a left turn, right in front of a car. Fortunately for me, the moped seat was high enough that the car hit below me and the moped took the brunt of the impact. I was knocked unconscious, but I understand that I landed on the car's hood.   I've worked as a volunteer fireman along an interstate. I've seen a lot of people die tragically.

Posted by Pooua

Posted by YellowFever

The kid was killed. Why does DMN mention he was a member of a swim team? What does being a member on a swim team have to dowith this story? Is DMN trying to imply that if you are on a swim team you are stupid, have no commen sense and that you cross busy interstates trying to get killed?

Posted by YellowFever

Why did he leave school early? Why did he not use the underpass like his friend? Sounds like he was in a hurry. For what?

Posted by CRC56

The disgrace continues.  La desgraciada continua.

Posted by shute81

I drove up seconds after it happened even before the police or ambulance. There were people huddled over him. I couldn't tell what was in the road until I got close. Then I saw it was a kid and a man put his jacket over him. I have not been the same since and can't get that scene out of my mind. So sad. He is in Heaven and at peace.

Posted by Liberal Joe

Darwin Award? Show some respect, please. Go check your kids Chat Logs before you start disrespecting other peoples kids! (Especially in this situation)

Posted by CRC56

To the stone cold hearts out there who decry the mistake of a child as deserving some kind of offensive award, let me say this: Everyone makes mistakes in life. No one is a living saint. Mother Teresa is long gone.   You want to judge; then prepare to be judged.   It is a scientific fact that good judgment isn't fully formed until the early 20's. A 14 yo did something on a lark and paid with his life.   For anyone to chuckle or smirk or crack wise about such a thing is a disgrace. But pretty common here in the unfortunately little moderated Dallas Morning News. A website that continuously brings out the worst in the city.

Posted by scigrl

I am devastated at the loss of Nick Scroggs. I taught him in the 6th grade and he was an extremely bright young man. Our Lord must have wanted Nick with him very fast. It's a shame that one moment in time when common sense was missing, led to a tragic ending. My prayers are with Nick's family, the family of his friend, his classmates at GP9C, his current and former teachers and the family of the driver. Nick has now seen the face of God and that is one face I too am looking forward to seeing. We'll all miss you, Nick.

Posted by gpraider88

This boy wasn't your ordinary kid. He was smart, funny, and most of all, a good friend. I had him in 2 of my classes at GPHS and sat by him in both. He made everyone's day brighter that he came into contact with. We will never forget him.

Posted by SM2008

Hopefully others will learn not to do this. Don't let this death be for naught.

Posted by speakinwhatifeel

We have all done stupid stuff and I am sure most question "how in the world did I survive what I just did"...I wish for peace and comfort for the family...realizing that this sounds incredibly generic but I cannot even imagine what they are going through

Posted by Pooua

I arrived at the accident scene moments after it happened. I did not witness the accident, but I was only a few seconds behind those who did. I am so sorry this happened. I wish we could have done something for him. May the families involved be comforted. Thanks to the newspaper for carrying the story. I've been looking for it.

Posted by freebyrd

you know this is sad because a person died but not unusual given the circumstances of a freeway crossing. the kid probably wasn't aware of just how many people die under similar circumstances.

Dallas Morning News - QuickDFW.com coverage

2008-12-23T19:14:00Z

14-year-old boy fatally struck by SUV while trying to cross Interstate 30 in Grand Prairie

06:42 PM CST on Thursday, December 11, 2008

By DAN X. McGRAW / The Dallas Morning News

dmcgraw@dallasnews.com

A 14-year-old boy was struck and killed while trying to cross Interstate 30 in Grand Prairie this afternoon, authorities said.

Nicholas Scroggs of Grand Prairie had left school early with a classmate at the Grand Prairie High School Ninth Grade Center when Nicholas decided to take a shortcut across the freeway about 2:30 p.m., said Sgt. Eric Hansen, a Grand Prairie police spokesman. A Chevy Suburban struck him near the Belt Line Road exit.

His friend, who was not identified, crossed at an underpass and was not injured, Sgt. Hansen said. Both teens were members of the Grand Prairie High swim team.

The SUV driver said he did not see the boy in time to stop, Sgt. Hansen said. He was not issued a citation.

Eastbound lanes of I-30 were shut down for two hours as police investigated the crash.

http://www.quickdfw.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/121208dnmetgphit.532d0f8e.html#

Reader comments to ABC's news coverage

2008-12-23T19:05:00Z

1370Albert

Thursday 11-11-2008 The Day Your Life Change For Ever Nicholas a Young Man That Live a Young Life will allways will be in are hearts for his family & freinds now he can be with his family in heaven looking down and keeping his mom & dad & family safe my God Bless.

otisrdog1

this is so sad to hear, but what is it about people that can't take the extra time to walk to an intersection where there is a better and somewhat safer place to cross. saw a man this morning trying to do the same thing and the intersection was only a few feet down.

blessed b

I can't imagine what the minister's family is going through. How many times have we heard of grown people crossing the highway and getting killed? We should have more commercials about crossing highways.....put it on all times of day...like the ones they used to have about littering and crossing railroads wit the lights on...I knew it was stupid to cross the highway, but I had no idea it was against the law. Somewhere we are not getting the message. As for the schoolmates, you guys will never forget this lil guy, just as I have never forgotten the classmate I lost to her drunken driving boyfriend on prom night over 22 years ago.....Blessings on the families.....

tsmshane

Words cant express how sad this is. Sorry for your loss Mr Scruggs and may God bless you and your family.

cchipmom

Mr. Scruggs, I am so very sorry for your loss. We work with the teens at our church and camps and love them all dearly. I pray that God will wrap His loving arms around you all.

lizeth

IN LOVIN MEMORY OF NICHOLAS SCROGGS THIS IS FROM THE STUDENTS AT GPHS 9TH GRADE CENTER WERE GOING TO MISS HIM SO MUCH!! NICHOLAS SCROGGS--GONE BUT NOT FORGOTTEN ='( --GPHS 9TH GRADE CENTER

marlascm86

Mr Scroggs, please know how terribly sorry I am for your loss, I can only imagine the pain you are feeling. As I said, teens have that zeal for life and don't always think, so your son was no different - he didn't do anything wrong as a crime, he was the result of an unintentional accident. We feel your pain with you and thank you for sharing his story with us. He looks like he really loves life and I am sure brought lots of happiness to those around him often. Cherish his memories always and know that he did bring joy and his other gifts to everyone he came into contact with. God bless you and your family - may He grant you comfort and strength. You never know who you may have touched by sharing his story and how it may comfort others along the way. God has Nicholas now - and rest assured he is safe and he is happy !  I pray too, for the one who hit Nicholas. He will have this to haunt him the rest of his life.   A very horrible tragedy.

ny_blnc

I'm so sorry for the loss. May God keep him safe and my prayers are with his family and friends as well as the driver of the vehicle.

sonny

Very tragic and you also have to feel for the person that hit him.

lluviazprincess

My prayers for his family and friends!!

GMEGOD

Mr. Scroggs, My prayers are with you and your family for this tragic loss. May God give you peace and strength.

arandall

So sad, hope others realize how unsafe it is to cross highways...just don't do it. God bless his family and the minister and his family too.

reaggie

Poor baby. Sounds like he was just being a kid and trying something that seemed exciting without realizing the serious consequences possible. May God comfort his grieving family and the poor minister who hit him. I can't imagine having to be either side.

Robert Scroggs

Nicholas was my son. He has led a charmed life. No broken bones or other injuries. He was a daredevil and a risk taker. He was smart, and full of life. He never met a person that he did not wish to befriend. He brought joy and happiness to everyone's life. Crossing the highway isn't even a short-cut. My guess is that he just thought it would be exciting. One terrible decision has cost him his life. Nicholas has always been the world to me. I love him, and I miss him.

marlascm86

Hey, it's fine with me - I knew you didn't  mean it like that. But, I was just giving you a "red flag" in case. Yep, I just imagine most all of our teen yrs we were perfect lil' angels, but thankfully, some of my mischief kept me alive as well as you. Too bad for this kid. Hey, sorry about your day. I know too well about those kinds. Let that whiskey put you sound asleep tonight. And maybe tomorrow will look brighter !

DILLIGAFF

marla, it really is they whiskey talkin, ive had a rough day, im sorry. may his family get the love and help they need. this is sad. i eas a teen once and luckily i didnt make a accidental eternal mistake

marlascm86

DILLIGAFF: Are you sure you mean this? It does not sound like you at all. Maybe you mean it shouldn't have happened, but just as I said, kids this age are very daring and naive. I don't wish them to die b/c of that. That's a bit harsh there ! What if the family is reading? How hurtful your remark would be !

DILLIGAFF

its the whiskey talking , but im the kid tried to save a few minutes, but it ended up taking an eternity to do it.

personingp

Oh my god! I know him. Its gonna be a sad day at school tomorrow.   My god bless Nick's family!

marlascm86

Oh gosh, this is TOO sad ! I pray God be with his family and friends, especially the one who was with him.   Unfortunately, teens this age don't always  think of potential consequences to their actions - they are so naive.   I am so sorry for the whole family !

ABC News Coverage

2008-12-23T18:54:00Z

Boy fatally struck while crossing I-30 in Grand Prairie

08:36 AM CST on Friday, December 12, 2008

By WFAA-TV and The Dallas Morning News Reports

Steve Stoler reports

GRAND PRAIRIE - A 14-year-old boy was struck and killed Thursday afternoon while trying to cross Interstate 30 in Grand Prairie, authorities said.

Nicholas Scroggs had left school early with a classmate at the Grand Prairie High School Ninth Grade Center when he decided to cut across the freeway at about 2:30 p.m., said Sgt. Eric Hansen, a Grand Prairie police spokesman.

A Chevy Suburban, driven by a Farmersville minister who was with his wife and two young children, struck him near the Belt Line Road exit. The driver said he did not see the boy in time to stop, Sgt. Hansen said. He was not issued a citation.

"His friend went the way this student should have gone, and that was to take the 7th Street underpass to get to his house," said Sgt. Eric Hansen, Grand Prairie Department. "So, it makes no sense really for him to have crossed over the freeway. It's not even a shortcut, really, in my opinion. So, it remains a mystery right now as to why he would even attempt to do such a thing."

Nicholas Scroggs' father, Robert, wrote a statement about the fatal incident.

"Those cars are just moving so much faster than they look," he wrote. "One spur of the moment choice led to the death of a very happy, friendly and wonderful young man."

His 14-year-old friend, who was not identified, crossed at an underpass and was not injured, Sgt. Hansen said. Both teens were members of the Grand Prairie High swim team.

Sgt. Hansen said it's unlawful for pedestrians to be on the highway.

"They should never be up there," he said. "They should never try [to cross] under any circumstances."

Scroggs was a freshman at the Grand Prairie high school and was enrolled in gifted and talent classes.

WFAA-TV's Steve Stoler and The Dallas Morning News' Dan X. McGraw contributed to this report

http://www.wfaa.com/sharedcontent/dws/wfaa/latestnews/stories/wfaa081211_mo_boykilled.53d53553.html

Fox news coverage

2008-12-23T18:49:00Z

Boy Hit and Killed on I-30

Last Edited: Thursday, 11 Dec 2008, 9:25 PM CST

Created: Thursday, 11 Dec 2008, 4:14 PM CST

.

A Grand Prairie boy was hit and killed by a vehicle on Interstate 30 on Thursday afternoon.

Nicholas Scroggs, 14, was struck by an SUV in the the far left eastbound lane near Beltline Road as he was trying to cross the freeway, police said.

The GPHS Ninth Grade Center student was walking home with a friend who refused to cross I-30. The other student decided to use the underpass at nearby 7th Street instead.

The driver of the Chevy Suburban, 39-year-old Christopher Barber of Farmersville, was not hurt, nor were his wife and two young children who were in the vehicle with him. No charges will be filed against Barber.

Scroggs was on the swim team and left school early to be at a swim meet Thursday evening.

http://www.myfoxdfw.com/myfox/pages/Home/Detail?contentId=8053888&version=4&locale=EN-US&layoutCode=TSTY&pageId=1.1.1

CBS News Coverage

2008-12-23T18:46:00Z

Dec 11, 2008 10:11 pm US/Central

High School Freshman Killed Running Across I-30

GRAND PRAIRIE (CBS 11 News) ―

KTVT / KTXA

A 14-year-old boy was killed as he tried to run across Interstate 30 in Grand Prairie.

The Dallas County Medical Examiner's office has identified the boy as Nicholas Scroggs of Grand Prairie.

Sgt. Eric Hansen of the Grand Prairie Police Department tells CBS 11 News the boy was a freshman at Grand Prairie High School. Sam Buchmeyer, a spokesman for the Grand Prairie ISD, says he was a member of the school's swim team.

The Grand Prairie School Board took time out to remember Nicholas Thursday night. "He was a good student. Good athlete. Well liked on campus," said Buchmeyer.

Investigators say Nicholas left school early Thursday afternoon to get ready for a swim meet later that day. Hansen says he was trying to take a shortcut home. Hanson says Nicholas' house is about one mile from the school. I-30 is halfway in between, Hanson said.

"In my opinion, he wasn't saving himself any time because he didn't live directly north of the freeway," said Hansen. "He still had to cross the same street that goes underneath the freeway that would have been the safe route home."

The boy was with a friend from the swim team when he ran onto I-30 near Northwest Seventh Street, according to Hansen.

"He made it across two of the three lanes and then got struck by a Chevrolet Suburban," said Hansen.

The other teenager, who chose not to run onto the highway, saw the Suburban strike Nicholas. He then watched in horror as the driver of the Suburban and several other witnesses tried to help Nicholas.

But there wasn't much they could do. He didn't make it.

Nicholas' parents did not want to go on camera, but they say their son was a good kid. He was an honor student who loved swimming and art. They say he wanted to go to college to possibly study architecture.

Robert Scroggs says he hopes the accident serves as a warning to other kids. "Don't cross the freeway," he said. "Cars move faster than you."

Nicholas' teammates did not take part in their scheduled swim meet at Duncanville High School.

The driver who hit Nicholas will not be charged with any crime.

Counselors will be available Friday to help students and staff members deal with the tragedy.

http://cbs11tv.com/local/teen.killed.i.2.885441.html