The Livingston, TX community is mourning the tragic loss of a 15-year-old high school student. The boy’s name has yet to be released, but the Texas Department of Public Safety confirmed that the 15-year-old was struck and killed by a semi-truck as he was getting off a Livingston ISD bus on U.S. Route 59.
“Troopers are investigating a fatal crash involving a Livingston ISD bus on US 59 north of Livingston,” the DPS wrote in a post on X. “Sadly, we can confirm a 15-year-old student was struck and killed by an 18-wheeler as the child was leaving the bus. Investigators remain on the scene, gathering evidence.”
Troopers are investigating a fatal crash involving a Livingston ISD bus on US 59 north of Livingston.
— TxDPS – Southeast Texas Region (@TxDPSSoutheast) December 8, 2023
Sadly, we can confirm a 15-year-old student was struck and killed by an 18-wheeler as the child was leaving the bus.
Investigators remain on the scene, gathering evidence. pic.twitter.com/rwtff97Bio
While the investigation continues, it’s being reported that the bus was at a complete stop, and the flashing red ‘STOP’ sign was in use when the 18-wheeler rear-ended a vehicle behind the bus. The semi-truck then veered off into the driveway, where the 15-year-old freshman student had just gotten off the bus.
“At times like this, we are reminded how precious life can be and how fragile each life truly is. It is sad when our district loses a member of its family. It is even more tragic when such a young life is taken away from us. We extend our thoughts and sincere condolences to family and friends,” Livingston ISD said.
"It’s their nightmare. This is just the worst possible situation for Livingston ISD.” https://t.co/Xg84L5lmxQ
— KLTV 7 (@KLTV7) December 8, 2023
The school district also confirmed that counselors will be available ‘to listen and help any students’ who need assistance as they continue to mourn the loss of one of their own. “We are fortunate to have a team of experienced counselors who can provide much-needed comfort to our students and staff,” they added.
The crash took place on U.S. Highway 59 just north of Livingston and killed a 15-year-old boy. The truck driver was arrested on a homicide charge. https://t.co/pnm2xdEuDz
— Times Record News (@timesrecordnews) December 8, 2023
Driver Arrested and Charged After Killing High School Student
The driver of the 18-wheeler was identified as 41-year-old Gregory Jackson. He was arrested at the scene of the crash and was subsequently charged with criminal negligent homicide. Polk County jail records indicate that a bail has been set at $250,000, but there’s no indication of the bail being posted.
While the 15-year-old high school student was pronounced dead at the scene, there were no other injuries reported as a result of the crash – Jackson nor the driver of the vehicle that he initially rear-ended were hurt. The Livingston community wants everyone to hug their children extra tight this holiday season.
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According to the Texas Department of Transportation, Texas witnesses nearly 4,500 motor vehicle traffic fatalities every year and another 15,299 serious injury crashes. In 2022, one person was killed in a crash every 1 hour and 57 minutes, and one person was injured in a crash every 2 minutes and 9 seconds.