In a heartbreaking reminder of the dangers of texting and driving, 17-year-old Katelyn Ray lost her life in a tragic car accident. The incident occurred on September 5, 2018, when Katelyn failed to notice a school bus slowing down in front of her on the highway. She crashed into the back of the bus without braking, resulting in a fatal collision.
Fortunately, the more than twelve schoolchildren on the bus were uninjured and were taken to school on another bus. However, Katelyn’s life was cut short in an instant. When police searched the wreckage, they found her phone still clutched in her hand.
TEEN KILLED AFTER SCHOOL BUS ACCIDENT – The Mississippi Highway Patrol confirms a 17 year old girl died in a school bus crash on Highway 315 in Panola County. Officials say the teen reared the School Bus in her car around 7:15 a.m. Wednesday morning. @LocalMemphis pic.twitter.com/gfuljk5sh1
— Annette E. Peagler (@Annette_WBTW) September 5, 2018
The investigation revealed that Katelyn had likely been distracted by her phone, taking her eyes off the road and failing to notice the slowing bus. This tragic accident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of texting and driving.
The police department took to Facebook to share a poignant warning, accompanied by a photo of the accident scene. The post read: “The driver of the car was 17 years old. No black marks because she never hit the brakes and she still had the cell phone in her hand when they removed her from the car.”
Katelyn’s mother, Shelia, had asked her daughter to pick up her older sister that morning. It was their last conversation. When Katelyn failed to arrive, her sister Courtney grew concerned and posted a message on Facebook asking if anyone had seen her. Shortly after, the family received the devastating news.
The loss of Katelyn’s young life is a tragedy that could have been avoided. Her story serves as a warning to all drivers, especially young ones, to keep their eyes on the road and their hands off their phones. Our thoughts are with Katelyn’s family, and we hope that her story will spread awareness about the dangers of texting and driving.
