Tragic Accident Claims the Life of 8-Year-Old Georgia Girl Hit by Car While Boarding School Bus

ATLANTA (WANF/Gray News) – The family of an 8-year-old girl from Georgia is devastated after she tragically lost her life in a heartbreaking accident. The young girl was hit by a car while attempting to board her school bus.

The Georgia State Patrol has confirmed the unfortunate demise of the girl on Saturday, as reported by WANF.

According to state troopers, the incident occurred on Thursday morning when the 8-year-old was trying to cross Jackson Lake Road in Henry County in order to board her school bus. It was at this moment that she was struck by a Ford Fusion. The severity of her injuries led her to be airlifted to Egleston Children’s Hospital in Atlanta, where she was in critical condition.

Authorities have stated that the school bus had its stop sign deployed and red flashing lights activated during the accident. They allege that the driver of the Ford Fusion, identified as 25-year-old Kaylee Andre, disregarded these warning signs.

Following the incident, Andre was taken into custody and subsequently booked in Henry County Jail. She now faces charges of first-degree homicide by vehicle, failure to stop for a school bus loading and unloading, and failure to exercise due care.

As news of the tragic incident spread, neighbors and others who were acquainted with the 8-year-old victim gathered to pay their respects. They placed flowers at a makeshift memorial that was set up on Jackson Lake Road.

Jeff Lockridge, a neighbor who also has a daughter, expressed his sympathies for the grieving family. Lockridge further voiced his frustration regarding the speeding vehicles on the road, stating, “My heart goes out to the family. All the time. They don’t care. If you’re gonna be late to work, call in and tell them. It ain’t that big of a deal. Your work will understand. They’d rather you be five minutes late than kill somebody.”

The State troopers are currently conducting an ongoing investigation into the incident to establish further details and determine any additional factors that may have contributed to this tragic accident.