A 17-year-old Florida student was killed after being struck by a bus while cycling on a sidewalk near the entrance to his school early Monday.
Authorities from the Florida Highway Patrol reported that the tragic accident occurred just before 7:00 a.m. outside Lake Minneola High School in Clermont. Officials added that the teenage victim was riding his bike on the sidewalk of Hancock Road when he approached the intersection, which had a stop sign, and entered a marked crosswalk.
Florida Teenage Student Killed
Troopers said that the school bus driver involved in the accident was identified as a 78-year-old woman. They added that she was traveling southbound on Hancock Road and turned left before seeing the teenage student in the crosswalk. When the older woman saw the teen, she allegedly swerved left, striking him and running off the road.
Officials said that the teenage victim was immediately transferred to a hospital to be treated for injuries but noted that he died later. According to Fox News, authorities did not immediately release the deceased's identity.
Fortunately, the driver of the bus and two passengers, a 55-year-old woman and an 18-year-old, were not injured in the crash. In a statement, the Lake County Sheriff's Office said they expressed their sincerest condolences to the family and friends of the teenager who was tragically killed in the accident.
Sherri Owens with Lake County Public Schools said it was a difficult day, expressing thanks for the community's support and patience. She added that they wanted to make sure they spoke to the family of the 17-year-old victim first before addressing the issue with students and teachers.
On Monday, video footage showed what appeared to be the crash site where the bus was off the road and partially stopped in a grassy area. A bicycle was also seen lying in the roadway next to the bus while emergency officials were standing nearby.
Fatal Bus Crash
A district spokesperson revealed that the 78-year-old female bus driver was hired in November 2021, according to Fox35 Orlando. The identity of the victim was later revealed as Sherman Vannoy.
Authorities also revealed the identity of the 78-year-old bus driver as Mary Laurenzi, who was placed on administrative leave following the fatal crash on Monday. Heidi Cruz, with Lake Minneola High School parents, wrote on Facebook that the incident was sad and argued that parents were stressed to know precisely what happened.
Cruz urged the Director of the School to hold an urgent meeting with parents to see if they can change the schedule for the fall or winter time and have kids get in no later than 7:45 a.m. In a statement on social media, Eric Hernandez, Minneola City Council Seat 4 representative, said that the accident served as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment with loved ones.
Clermont Police Chief Charles "Chuck" Broadway, who is currently the president of the Florida Police Chief Association, urged drivers to be cautious and look for pedestrians following the fatal crash, said the Daily Commercial.
