A car struck three siblings waiting on the side of the road for their school bus in Butler County, Pennsylvania. The eldest boy was pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The three children, ages 6, 9 and 11, were waiting for their school bus to pick them up on Monday morning. Media reports indicate that glare to the driver could have been a factor in the incident.
Mark Fike, 11, was transported to Butler Memorial Hospital by EMS but did not survive the crash, according to the Pennsylvania State Police.
The other two children, 9-year-old, Lyssa Fike, was transported to Butler Memorial Hospital with a suspected minor injury, and 6-year-old, Ryan Fike, was transported to UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburg by medical helicopter in critical condition.
The driver, Gina Kibbie, stayed at the scene of the accident. The state police said Kibbie also had a 7-year-old passenger in her vehicle at the time of the crash, and both were uninjured.
A Gofundme account for Mark Fike describes him as an “amazing young man, a great big brother and someone who loved the outdoors and catching critters.”
This is the second reported incident of a child killed at a bus stop in Pennsylvania this school year. A 7-year-old boy was found by his school bus driver at a bus stop in Franklin Township, after he had been struck and killed.
Butler Area School District Superintendent Brian White posted the following statement on the school’s Facebook page:
I am at a loss for words regarding this morning’s tragedy. Anytime a student passes it is devastating and it impacts our entire school community. We have made and will continue to make extra counselors available for any students and staff members who are in need of grief support. I encourage anybody in need of grief support to visit our counselors or seek help in our community.
The Center for Community Resources (CCR) has been incredibly helpful today. They offer 24-hour crisis services for anyone who needs it. https://ccrinfo.org/ | Crisis number: 1-800-292-3866
The Highmark Caring Place also offers services for grieving children and their families. https://www.highmarkcaringplace.com
The way our school community pulls together to support one another in the face of an incredibly difficult situation never fails to amaze me. I’m grateful to the many people who stepped up today and will continue to do so to offer their support to all those in need.
On behalf of the entire school community, we extend our deepest sympathy to the student’s family and friends at this difficult time.
