Lake Hamilton Superintendent: Bus Driver 'Distraught,' Family 'In Shock' After 7-Year-Old Girl's Death
By: Joey Hollingsworth
Updated: September 24, 2012
Lake Hamilton School District Superintendent Steve Anderson spoke Friday
afternoon about the 7-year-old girl who was killed when she was struck
by a school bus early in the morning.
Superintendent Anderson began by explaining that since this is an ongoing investigation, most of the details, including the names of those involved, would not be released at this time.
"Words can't express the extent of the sorrow felt by this community," Anderson said.
The young girl was waiting at her usual bus stop in a rural area at approximately 6:28 a.m., before the sun was up, when she was hit by the bus.
The driver, who has been employed by the school district for five years, is very "distraught" and will be on paid leave for the time being, Anderson said.
Anderson says the man who was driving the bus was not only her usual bus driver, but knew the girl on a personal level, as his granddaughter was friends with her.
Deputy A.J. Tart of the Garland County Sheriff's Office joined Superintendent Anderson in expressing sympathy on behalf of the Department and entire Lake Hamilton community.
An incident report is being completed, and will be submitted to the prosecutor's office to determine whether or not charges will be filed, according to Deputy Tart.
At the time of the accident, four students were on the bus.
Anderson says they did not realize what had taken place, even after they were later taken to school in separate school vehicles by other employees of the district.
According to Anderson, most of the students at the school are still unaware of what happened, but counselors are available for those who are. Other area school districts, colleges and other agencies have also offered assistance.
The girl had two younger siblings, who are not yet of school age.
Deputy Tart says the bus stop is located in a rural area with no street lights, and the headlights of the bus was likely the only light available.
Superintendent Anderson went to the accident scene and visited with the mom and step-dad, who he said were "in shock," and "definitely having a very difficult time."
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Superintendent Anderson began by explaining that since this is an ongoing investigation, most of the details, including the names of those involved, would not be released at this time.
"Words can't express the extent of the sorrow felt by this community," Anderson said.
The young girl was waiting at her usual bus stop in a rural area at approximately 6:28 a.m., before the sun was up, when she was hit by the bus.
The driver, who has been employed by the school district for five years, is very "distraught" and will be on paid leave for the time being, Anderson said.
Anderson says the man who was driving the bus was not only her usual bus driver, but knew the girl on a personal level, as his granddaughter was friends with her.
Deputy A.J. Tart of the Garland County Sheriff's Office joined Superintendent Anderson in expressing sympathy on behalf of the Department and entire Lake Hamilton community.
An incident report is being completed, and will be submitted to the prosecutor's office to determine whether or not charges will be filed, according to Deputy Tart.
At the time of the accident, four students were on the bus.
Anderson says they did not realize what had taken place, even after they were later taken to school in separate school vehicles by other employees of the district.
According to Anderson, most of the students at the school are still unaware of what happened, but counselors are available for those who are. Other area school districts, colleges and other agencies have also offered assistance.
The girl had two younger siblings, who are not yet of school age.
Deputy Tart says the bus stop is located in a rural area with no street lights, and the headlights of the bus was likely the only light available.
Superintendent Anderson went to the accident scene and visited with the mom and step-dad, who he said were "in shock," and "definitely having a very difficult time."
Continuing Coverage:
View Larger Map
Comments
How devastating for all involved...but I also ask the question others have...why was this little girl alone in the dark waiting for the bus?
Betty J.
September 21, 2012 at 6:26 pm
How devastating for all involved...but ai Aldo ask the question others have asked...what was a seven year doing in the dark alone waiting for the school bus?
Betty J.
September 21, 2012 at 6:24 pm
