A memorial is set up near the scene of the school bus accident that killed 7 year old Alyssa Hearn on Friday.
The accident happened Friday afternoon on West Main St in the Village of Springville. According to a worker at DonChelle Salon Spa, Alyssa and her brother were being dropped off in front of the business. Alyssa Hearn's mother works at the salon. The worker said Alyssa was crossing in front of the bus when the driver moved the vehicle forward, hitting the girl.
First responders brought the child to Bertrand Chaffee Hospital, where she later died of her injuries.
The community held a vigil Sunday to remember the 7 year old.
Superintendent Kimberly Moritz of Springville-Griffith Institute Central School District issued the following statement:
"As a school family, we are attending to the emotional needs of all of our students and employees as we face the loss of Alyssa Hearn. The District has taken numerous steps to provide our students and employees with as much support as possible, and encourage anyone who feels that he or she needs assistance to contact the District. We respectfully ask for understanding and privacy as our school community mourns the loss of a wonderful young student and as our students return to school."
The principal of Springville Elementary School said grief counselors and clergy members would be available all week to help the community deal with this loss.
Family members can reach a school counselor by calling the SES main office at (716) 592-3204 or the SGI Family Support Center at (716) 592-3248.
A wake for Alyssa Hearn is being held Thursday, November 10 from 2 to 4 p.m. at Smith-Weismantel Funeral Home. The funeral will be at Smith-Weismantel Funeral Home on Friday, November 11 at 11 a.m.
