PERRY TOWNSHIP — Those who knew Kyson Beatty remember he brought joy to so many.
It has been a little more than four months since the 11-year-old died after being hit by a tow truck — and Kyson's school, Perry Meridian Sixth Grade Academy — is still carrying on his legacy.
The school has created a memorial for the boy in its library called "Kyson's FriEND Zone." and an online book drive in his honor. The drive will help the school buy emotional support books and provide self-confidence-building resources — something Kyson was big on.
Kyson was killed Dec. 11 last year by a hit-and-run drivernear the intersection of South Tibbs Avenue and Wicker Road.
PREVIOUS | Balloon release honors 11-year-old Kyson Beatty
"When this tragedy happened it was very evident the impact he had. All of the kids in the building literally and metaphorically looked up to him for a lot of different reasons. He was a leader in the building," said Assistant Principal Andrew Repay.
The school says it's going to continue his legacy of protecting his peers from bullies, and to stand up for the underdogs.
"Kyson was such a big guy on not only making friends, but also sticking up for any kids he felt like was in a bad situation," said Repay.
PREVIOUS | Court doc: Man who killed Kyson Beatty sped away, said he couldn't be caught driving the truck
Kyson always made it a point to make others smile, those who knew him said.
"Goofy, very goofy, very funny. He would make a joke or make people laugh in any situation. That was just kind of the kid that he was," said Amanda Tarter, Kyson's mom.
If you would like to donate to book drive, click here.
-
Family remembers daughter who was allegedly murdered by Indianapolis Uber driver
A mother is devastated after her daughter was allegedly murdered by her rideshare driver earlier this week. She spoke to WRTV for the first time after her daughter’s body was found on Monday.1 shot, critically injured downtown Indianapolis
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department officers responded to the 500 block of St. Margaret’s Dr, near Eskenazi Hospital, on reports of a person shot just before 3 p.m.Indiana judge rules against abortion providers fighting near-total ban
An Indiana county judge has ruled against abortion providers who are seeking to broaden access to the procedure under the near-total ban state lawmakers passed in 2022IMPD officers shoot alleged suspect in hostage situation on northeast side
According to police, officers were involved in a shooting but uninjured in the 7800 block of River Road. This is near 79th Street and Dean Road.