No Charges Filed After 6-Year-Old Boy Fatally Struck by School Bus in New Orleans
A tragic accident claimed the life of 6-year-old Mayson Richards on Thursday morning in New Orleans' Ninth Ward. The incident occurred shortly after 8 a.m. in the 1400 block of Desire Street as Mayson attempted to board his school bus. According to police reports, he had just exited his mother's car and was running toward the bus when he was struck.
Neighbors recounted that the bus stopped further down the street after the collision. Mayson's mother reportedly carried him back to her car in an attempt to rush him to the hospital, while two neighbors performed CPR until emergency services arrived. Despite these efforts, Mayson was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The bus driver remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities. Police stated that the driver showed no signs of impairment and passed a field sobriety test. No charges have been filed, and the investigation is ongoing.
Mayson's family and community are mourning the loss of a child described as joyful and loving.
"He loved his momma, he loved his grandma, his uncle, he loved his paw paw. He loved everybody," said his aunt, Andrea Haynes. "He was a good child, a fun child and played every day. He was an awesome, awesome nephew."
Mayson was a student at KIPP Leadership School, which has offered grief counseling and support services to students and staff, NOLA Public Schools Superintendent-elect Dr. Fateama Fulmore said in a statement.
“I am devastated to learn of the tragic loss of Mayson Richards," the NOLA Public Schools superintendent-elect, Dr. Fateama Fulmore, said in a separate statement. "Our thoughts are with the family, friends, and classmates impacted by this heartbreaking incident.”
The family has indicated that legal action may follow as the investigation continues.
