Teenager killed on campus while riding bicycle – family devastated

WICHITA, Kansas (KSNW) — Daniel Collier, a junior at Campus High School, died while riding his bike Wednesday night. His mother said he loved sports and his family and didn’t have a single sick link in his body. She said it’s hard to understand why this happened to her son.

“We all just want our baby back, our brother, our cousin,” said Daniel’s mother, Nicole Collier.

Daniel was riding his bike around 8 p.m. on Wednesday when he was hit by a truck just blocks from his home. Neighbors rushed to help until the ambulance arrived.

Nicole said she thought they were over the hill.

“They took him to the hospital and we thought he would make it, but the injuries were too great and his body just gave out; it was chaos,” she said.

Nicole said the outcry of support was shocking, adding that classmates of Daniel’s came to help build a memorial at the crash site.

“We met some of his classmates here earlier; they came here and did this for him, so we all signed with chalk; he was just so popular,” she said.

Daniel’s cousin Mickenzie Rini did not miss her softball game. Instead, she played in his honor. Her teammates supported her.

“I had the opportunity to play. I want to go out there and play for Danny and be that for him. And my whole team is giving 15 pounds in the face, LLD on the arms and playing for Danny too,” Rini said.

Danny’s mother hopes that other parents will also take the time to spend time with their children.

“I always tell everyone to make memories with their children because that’s all they have. His spirit will stay with us, but I wouldn’t wish that on any parent,” Nicole said.

The driver of the vehicle that hit Daniel is cooperating with investigators.

Wichita police said they are reviewing all evidence to determine what led to the collision.

A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to cover medical and funeral expenses and to support the Collier family during this time.