Sidney brother, sister struck in crosswalk near high school

Siblings Jessica and Thomas Webb had just returned to Sidney High School on Thursday night following their 75-minute bus ride home from Ogallala for a cross country meet.

The plan was to make the short walk to meet their parents at their church and then head home for the evening. They proceeded together from behind the school's gymnasium east toward the intersection of 19th Avenue and Jackson Street.

Shortly after – at about 8:15 p.m. – they were both struck by a car while in the crosswalk in the shadows of the high school. They were headed to the Church of the Nazarene, located at the corner of 15th and Jackson – just a few blocks away.

The Webbs were both transported to Sidney Regional Medical Center by ambulance. Thomas, 15, was airlifted to Swedish Medical Center in Englewood, Colo., with possible head injuries and remained in stable condition today. Jessica, 17, was treated at SRMC and was released early this morning.

Sidney Police Department Chief BJ Wilkinson identified the driver of the car as Brian W. Carver, 45, of Sidney. He was cited at the scene for having no driver's license, careless driving and failure to yield to pedestrians. An investigation by police and the county attorney's office is continuing.

Carver told investigating officers that he didn't see the teens until he was right next to them, and they were both struck by the right side of his car and knocked to the ground, according to a police media release.

Sidney High School principal Chris Arent said the support of the cross country coaches and students has been tremendous.

"The outlook is very, very positive from last night," Arent said. "Unfortunately, you always prepare for the worst and pray for the best in situations like this. I am extremely happy to hear that both are doing well coming out of an accident like that."

Arent said a school district crisis team is in place for situations like this. They were put on alert Thursday night while all of the facts and information about the accident were gathered.

"We met with the cross country coaches and (guidance counselor) Tess Plummer last night here at the school to keep everyone updated," Arent said. "We later met with a group of mostly cross county runners to let them know what was happening and that we were here to help them and meet their needs."

Jessica, a junior, has been a member of the cross country team for all three seasons for the Red Raiders. She also runs on the school's track team.

Thomas, a sophomore, is in his second year on the team. He also ran for the middle school squad. He is involved in persuasive speaking, the One Act drama group and chorus.