A school community in Texas is reeling after the death of a young student. The boy, who attended Emma Roberson Early Learning Academy, was struck by a school bus, later dying from his injuries. The incident was reportedly a complete accident that occurred during morning pickup on March 17, 2025.
Now, members of the school community are coming together to support one another in the face of tragedy. As they mourn, police are working to figure out how the accident happened in the first place.
“It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the news that one of our Emma Roberson Early Learning Academy students passed away this morning due to an incident involving one of our buses,” Granbury Independent School District Superintendent Dr. Courtney Morawski said in a statement.
“We are heartbroken by the loss of one of our students. Please join me in keeping the family and our schools in your thoughts and prayers during this devastating time.”
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the incident occurred around 6 a.m. In statement shared with People, it shared that the Granbury ISD school bus was being driven by a 66-year-old woman. It was stopped while picking up students.
As the bus was pulling off, the 5-year-old boy ran up on the driver’s side. That is when he was struck by the bus. He was taken to the hospital, where he died of his injuries. DPS said the investigation is ongoing.
In her statement, Moraswki said that the school district is working with authorities regarding the incident.
“It was just a matter of time before something like this would happen because of all the traffic that’s in here now,” Dale Hall told news affiliate WFAA. Hall lives near the site of the accident. “They need a stop sign, speed bumps or more police activity.”
Meanwhile, the school is ensuring support for the community during this tragic time. “We know students may respond in many different ways to this news, whether they personally knew the student or not. Chaplains, school counselors and staff will be available as needed, and upon parent request, to meet with students and parents grieving over the coming weeks,” Morawski said.
“Our focus remains on supporting the student’s family and the Emma Roberson ELA campus at this time.”
While the student’s name wasn’t initially released, the Emma Roberson Early Learning Academy Facebook page posted about memorials for the student.
“With permission from the family to share, please join us to celebrate the life of our beloved student and friend, Exodus Crockett,” the post read. In addition to both a viewing and funeral, there will be a community memorial for Exodus on March 20, 2025.
