Jeanelle Fredericks, Madison, Mississippi 8 year old girl struck and killed by school bus amid rumors that bus driver was under the influence as police address speculation and insist on thorough investigation.
An 8 year old girl in Mississippi has died after she was struck and killed by a school bus while riding her bike on Wednesday.
Jeanelle Fredericks of Madison, Miss. was identified as the victim according to a Madison County Coroner.
The crash happened after 4 p.m. Wednesday at Cobblestone Drive and Rockwood Drive, police said.
Cause of crash under investigation
At the time of impact, the 8-year-old girl was taken to the University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) in Jackson, where she was later that evening pronounced dead, WAPT reported.
The Madison County Fire Department, Pafford EMS and the school district responded in addition to police.
All school children on the bus were reunited with their parents. No other injuries were reported by police.
The cause of the crash remains unknown.
Following the 8 year old girl’s death, Madison County School District released a statement that counselors would be available to students and staff at the Madison Avenue Upper Elementary and Madison Avenue Elementary.
‘We encourage parents to reach out to the counselor’s office at their child’s school for additional resources or supports in helping their children through this difficult time,’ school officials, said in part.
But there was more to come.
School bus driver rumors of impairment
On Thursday, Madison County Police Department issued a statement addressing rumors on social media that the bus driver may have been intoxicated. They explained that there were ‘no preliminary indicators’ led them to believe that the driver was impaired.
The statement concluded with police assuring the public that a ‘very thorough’ investigation would take place.
Toxicology samples as standard procedure were submitted for examination according to ABC16 News.
The results from the toxicology report have yet to return.
Many went to social media to express commiserations for the girl along with defending the un-named bus driver.
‘People need to be ashamed. Don’t put the cart before the horse. The bus driver is probably devastated. Rumors are not helping this tragic accident,’ one person wrote.
Another said: ‘The driver is one of the kindest humans I know. I’m sure beyond a shadow of doubt that person is devastated.
‘It is a tragedy beyond any comprehension for the child’s family and the driver and family. Please refrain from stating unsubstantiated things. It truly makes something horrible unbearable for everyone involved.’
It remained unclear if the school bus driver faced potential charges.
