Drunk truck driver accused of killing 15-year-old teen who was exiting school bus
LIVINGSTON, TEXAS: Gregory Jackson, a truck driver, faces a homicide charge after a 15-year-old was fatally struck while exiting a school bus.
The incident, which saddened many online, led to the widespread sharing of clips and photos on platforms such as X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook.
The tragic accident unfolded on a Texas highway, and the details of both the driver and the deceased boy will be thoroughly investigated. Due to the ongoing inquiry, the truck driver has been arrested and is being held with a substantial bond.
What happened at crime scene?
The tragic collision unfolded on an eastern Texas highway as a 15-year-old disembarked from his school bus at 4:15 pm on US Highway 59, just north of Livingston.
The involved vehicle was an 18-wheeler driven by 41-year-old Gregory Jackson. The town is in Polk County, about 70 miles northeast of Houston.
According to the initial crash investigation, a Livingston Independent School District bus had stopped in the northbound outside lane, with flashing red lights and an extended stop sign for student unloading.
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
Behind the bus, a 28-year-old woman was driving a Toyota car. Investigators reported that a semi, traveling north on the highway, collided with the rear of the car and then swerved right, striking the boy in a driveway.
Regrettably, the young boy was pronounced dead at the scene. Both the Toyota driver identified as a Lufkin resident, and the semi-driver, suffered no injuries.
The truck driver, facing a homicide charge, was arrested on a felony criminal negligent homicide charge and taken to the Polk County Jail.
Records from the Polk County Sheriff's Office indicated that Jackson remained in custody with a $250,000 bond as of Friday as per USA Today.
It was not immediately known whether Jackson had legal representation. The authorities noted that the crash was still under investigation as of Friday.
'Our district lost a member of its family'
Following the heartbreaking incident, the official page of the Livingston Independent School District released a statement detailing the accident involving the truck driver, a car, and a 15-year-old teenager.
Expressing deep sorrow over the unforeseen tragedy, the statement highlighted the preciousness of the teen's life and how fragile it had become.
The school district also extended condolences to the family and friends affected by the loss.
The post read, “Our district lost a member of its family. 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.”
The post continued, “All of our counselors are available in the morning to listen and help any students needing assistance. We are fortunate to have a team of experienced counselors who can provide much-needed comfort to our students and staff.”
