Teen D-es After Slamming Into School Bus, Then Police Find What Was In Her Hand

Please note: we are re-sharing this story, originally reported in September 2018.

A heartbreaking incident has rocked the community of Panola County, as a young life was tragically lost in a school bus collision. The Mississippi Highway Patrol confirmed that the accident occurred around 7:15 a.m. on Wednesday morning, when a driver collided with a South Panola School bus. The victim has been identified as Katelyn Ray, as confirmed by family members.

The collision occurred when Ray’s car rear-ended the South Panola School bus on Highway 15 near Highway 6 in Panola County. This devastating event unfolded as Ray was en route to pick up her older sister from work. The last interaction between Katelyn and her mother, Shelia Ray, was a simple exchange of love and familial affection, unknowingly marking their final farewell.

Shelia Ray, recounting the series of events, expressed disbelief at the tragic turn of events that followed. The family’s attempts to contact Katelyn were met with silence, heightening their concern. The excruciating wait ended with a phone call from the highway patrol, delivering the devastating news of Katelyn’s severe car accident.

According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the collision resulted in Katelyn Ray’s car forcefully striking the rear of the school bus. The timeline of events deepened the family’s worry, particularly when Katelyn failed to reach her sister’s workplace by 7:30 a.m. Courtney Pettit, Katelyn’s sister, shared the mounting anxiety, questioning Katelyn’s whereabouts during those critical moments.

In a desperate search for answers, Courtney Pettit turned to social media, posting a heartfelt plea on Facebook for any information about her missing sister. It was during this frantic search that the family received the devastating news of the tragedy that unfolded on the highways of Panola County.

Stephanie Pettit, Katelyn’s aunt, conveyed the family’s anguish, acknowledging the difficulty of comprehending the circumstances surrounding the crash. Katelyn, a proud aunt herself, was actively pursuing GED classes at the WIN Job Center, showcasing her vibrant and outgoing personality.