Affton 9-Year-Old Dies, Struck by Car

A 9-year-old Sappington Elementary School student died Thursday evening after being struck by a car.

Lonnie Avent, of Lakeshire, was hit by a neighbor driving through the alley behind the 4900 block of Alcott in the Walnut Park neighborhood.

Police reported to media that Avent was struck by the 33-year-old driver after jumping into the alley from the top of a trash dumpster. Family members were quick to correct media reports, saying Avent was playing football with his father and other family, according to KSDK. 

Lanette Cassel, who identifies as Avent's aunt online, described the boy as an honor roll student who loved life, sports and his Nintendo DS.

"I will always love him," she posted on KSDK.

Avent's visitation will be from 3 to 9 p.m. Friday, May 17, at Kutis Funeral Home, 2906 Gravois Ave. His funeral will be at the funeral home at 11 a.m. on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Kutis Funeral Home under Lonnie Avent's name.

Editor's Note: We invite family, friends, neighbors and Patch community members to share their memories of Lonnie and wishes for his loved ones in the comments below.