8-year-old fatally struck by car while boarding school bus, officials say

ATLANTA (WANF/Gray News) - The family of an 8-year-old Georgia girl who was hit by a car while boarding her school bus is devastated following her death.

The Georgia State Patrol confirmed the girl’s death Saturday, according to WANF.

State troopers say the 8-year-old was trying to cross Jackson Lake Road in Henry County to get on her school bus Thursday morning when she was struck by a Ford Fusion. She was flown to Egleston Children’s Hospital in Atlanta in critical condition.

Investigators say the bus had its stop sign and red flashing lights activated at the time of the accident. They allege the driver of the Ford Fusion, identified as 25-year-old Kaylee Andre, ignored those warning signs.

Andre was arrested and booked in Henry County Jail. She faces charges of first-degree homicide by vehicle, failure to stop for a school bus loading and unloading and failure to exercise due care.

At the time of the accident, the bus had its stop sign and red flashing lights activated, GSP said.

Neighbors and others who say they knew the 8-year-old victim placed flowers Saturday at a makeshift memorial on Jackson Lake Road.

“My heart goes out to the family,” neighbor Jeff Lockridge said.

Lockridge, who has a daughter of his own, adds he is tired of seeing drivers speeding down the road.

“All the time. They don’t care,” he said. “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.”

State troopers are still investigating the incident.

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