Authorities have released the name of the 8-year-old girl who was struck and killed by a school bus in Madison on Wednesday.
Madison County Coroner Lee Breeland identified the deceased as Jeanelle Fredericks. According to police, the incident took place at the intersection of Cobblestone Drive and Rockwood Drive on Wednesday afternoon around 4:20 p.m. The victim was said to have been riding her bicycle when hit by the bus.
According to Lt. Micah Taylor, rumors have circulated on social media regarding the possible intoxication of the unidentified bus driver. As is standard procedure with any fatal accident being investigated, the Madison Police Department had a DUI/drug recognition expert at the scene as part of its investigation.
Taylor further added that there are no preliminary indicators that would lead investigators to believe that the driver was impaired. Toxicology samples have been submitted for examination and authorities are awaiting the results.
“The Madison Police Department takes this matter very seriously and we want the public to know that a thorough investigation is being conducted,” a release from MPD stated. “As stated earlier, the findings will be forwarded to the Madison/Rankin District Attorney’s Office. We ask for continued prayers for the family, friends, students, school staff, and first responders.”
The Madison County School District issued the following statement regarding the fatal incident.
“The Madison County Schools family is heartbroken at the loss of a precious student in a tragic accident on Wednesday, October 2. Our prayers and deepest condolences go out to the student’s family members and friends. On Thursday and in the days to come, additional counselors will be on hand providing support for students and staff at Madison Avenue Upper Elementary and Madison Avenue Elementary. We encourage parents to reach out to the counselor’s office at their child’s school for additional resources or support in helping their children through this difficult time.”
