THARPTOWN – A Russellville teen was airlifted to Huntsville Hospital after attempting to cross the road with a skateboard on Franklin 48 near Tharptown Thursday evening, officials said.

Authorities with the State Trooper Quad-Cities Post said 17-year-old Devin Herring was hit by a 2003 Chevrolet SUV around 4:30 p.m. after attempting to race across the road in front of Tharptown Baptist Church.

Officials said Herring was airlifted to Huntsville Hospital after emergency crews evaluated his injuries.

As of Friday, hospital officials said Herring had been transferred to a regular patient room and is listed in good condition.

Tharptown Volunteer Fire Department and the Franklin County Sherriff’s office assisted State Troopers at the scene.

TVFD member Ray Hill said the boy seemed to be hurt pretty bad at the scene.

“He was real bloody around the head and I was afraid he might have some brain damage,” Hill said. “He was screaming right after it happened because he was scared he might die. Paramedics arrived shortly after the accident and calmed him down enough to get him into a helicopter which landed right behind Tharptown Baptist Church.”   

Hill said he assumes the boy was riding his skateboard down Stockton Road and was hit by the vehicle when he attempted to cross Franklin 48.

Hill said the SUV was dented from the collision.

“The girl who was driving the car claimed that he just came out of nowhere and went in front of her,” he said. “It bent in the hood on her SUV along the right side above the headlight.”

State Troopers are investigating the incident.