Mother of son killed while trick-or-treating sending message of safety on Halloween

HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHP) - A York County mother who lost her son while trick-or-treating is pleading for everyone heading out on Halloween to keep safety in mind.

“I don’t want my tragedy to be somebody else’s tragedy,” said Melissa Deroba, Skyler Wenger’s mother.

Her life changed forever eight years ago. Her son Skyler Wenger was hit and killed while celebrating Halloween.

“We were always together and to go from that two-person team to nothing. You walk in the house that night and there’s his shoes at the door,” said Deroba.

The Cedar Cliff High School freshman played football and baseball.

“Skyler had a huge heart. He was the kid that when a new kid came to youth group he would give them his number and say ‘hey text me if you ever want to talk,’” said Deroba.

Skyler was hit by a car while crossing Carlisle Road in front of Highland Elementary in Lower Allen Township, Cumberland County.

“I picked up the phone and there was a young woman on the other end of the line screaming and crying that Skyler had just been hit,” said Deroba.

While it wasn’t raining the night Skyler was hit, the forecast for Halloween 2019 calls for rain, making it even more difficult to see trick-or-treaters.

“I want everyone to drive (Halloween) night like it’s pouring and raining and your two-year-old may dart out between any car,” said Deroba.

In an effort to keep Skyler’s legacy alive, $1,000 was donated Wednesday to a scholarship in his name.

With Halloween just days away and lots of kids on or near streets, there are safety tips to keep in mind. The National Safety Council says to walk in well-lit areas, for everyone to focus on the street, not your cell phone, and put reflective tape on costumes and bags or use glow sticks.

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