Background: A school bus travels a road in Henry County, Georgia (screengrab via WSB). Inset: Adalynn Pierce, who was killed while crossing the street to get to her school bus (via Caring For A Cause)
A woman in Georgia is facing charges after allegedly striking and killing an 8-year-old girl who was crossing the street to get on the school bus.
Adalynn Pierce died after being hit by a car on Thursday morning as she was preparing to get on the bus to go to school, Atlanta NBC affiliate WXIA reported. The bus was reportedly stopped at the time, its red lights flashing and its stop signs activated at the front and the rear.
The little girl was apparently crossing the road from her driveway when a Ford Fusion struck her.
Kaylee Andre, 25, the alleged driver of the car, is now facing first-degree homicide charges, as well as failure to stop for a school bus loading and unloading, and failure to exercise due care.
WXIA reported that Adalynn’s mother and one of her siblings saw her get struck by the car as she crossed the two-lane road.
Sheriff’s office records indicate that Andre was booked into the Henry County Jail on $20,000 bond and later released after the bond was posted. She appeared in court on Monday.
Adalynn’s mother, Ashley Pierce, told WXIA that she forgives the driver of the car, who she says called 911 and stayed with the distraught mother until first responders arrived.
“Law enforcement has said she has been nothing but cooperative the whole time,” she told the station. “It was a mistake. Anyone could have made the same mistake.”
Adalynn’s organs will be donated, WXIA also reported. Doctors have said more than 70 children will benefit.
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