15-Year-Old Exiting School Bus Fatally Struck By 18-Wheeler Near Livingston, Texas

On December 7, 2023, the Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers responded to a devastating incident on US 59 just north of Livingston, Texas. The preliminary investigation indicates that a fatal crash occurred around 4:17 p.m.

A Livingston Independent School District (ISD) school bus was traveling northbound and had come to a stop in the outside lane, activating its flashing red lights and extending the stop sign to allow a child to disembark.

According to DPS reports, a Toyota passenger car was situated behind the school bus. An 18-wheeler traveling north collided with the rear of the car. Subsequently, the truck veered to the right, striking a 15-year-old male who was in the driveway.

The driver of the Toyota, identified as 28-year-old Autumn Witt of Lufkin, emerged from the incident without injuries. Similarly, the 41-year-old driver of the 18-wheeler, Gregory Jackson, was reported as uninjured.

The 15-year-old male victim was pronounced deceased at the scene by a Justice of the Peace.

The Livingston school district released a statement expressing grief over the loss, stating, “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 district assured the availability of counselors for students and staff in the morning.

The crash is under investigation.