By Trend News Line 2024-03-25 17:07:49.
**Tragedy Strikes Hays School Community**
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The Hays school community is in mourning following a devastating crash that took the lives of two individuals, including a beloved pre-K student. The victims have been identified as 5-year-old Ulises Rodriguez Montoya and 33-year-old Ryan Wallace. Ulises, a pre-K student at Tom Green Elementary School, was described as a bright and joyful child who loved the color green, dinosaurs, and his family.
**Details of the Tragic Incident**
The tragic crash occurred on Friday afternoon on W. Texas 21 near the intersection with Caldwell Road. A concrete truck veered into the wrong lane and collided with a school bus carrying 44 students and 11 adults back from a field trip at the zoo in Bastrop. The bus rolled over, causing several children to be ejected. Additionally, Ryan Wallace, who was driving a Dodge Charger behind the bus, struck the vehicle from behind.
**Uncertainty Surrounding the Cause**
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As of Monday, authorities have not determined the cause of the accident or if charges will be filed against the driver of the concrete truck. Two adults and two children remain hospitalized but are in stable condition. The Hays school district has cancelled classes at Tom Green Elementary to provide counseling services for students and staff.
**Community Grief and Support**
The Hays school community is reeling from the tragedy, with Superintendent Eric Wright stating that everyone is still grieving and in shock. The 560-student elementary school serves pre-K through fifth-grade students, as well as the district’s deaf education program. Ulises’ family is devastated by his loss and surrounded by loved ones during this difficult time.
**Outpouring of Support**
Former teacher Molly Andrews, part of a community leadership team supporting the school, has been overwhelmed by the response to the tragedy. Teachers and staff at Tom Green Elementary have shown immense care and compassion for the students affected by the crash. A GoFundMe page has been set up to assist with funeral expenses, hospital bills, and other needs of the affected families, with donations exceeding $73,800.
**Seatbelt Concerns**
It has been revealed that the bus involved in the crash did not have seatbelts due to its 2011 model. However, newer buses acquired by the district since 2017 are equipped with seatbelts. The Hays school district is considering purchasing additional buses with seatbelts for its fleet, with plans to propose the cost as part of a future bond.
**Moving Forward**
The Hays school community continues to come together in support of those impacted by the tragic events of Friday’s crash. The memory of Ulises Rodriguez Montoya and Ryan Wallace will be cherished by all who knew them, and their legacy will live on in the hearts of those they touched. As the district works towards enhancing safety measures on school buses, the focus remains on healing and supporting the grieving families and students..
– 5-year-old child killed in Hays school bus crash
– Man killed in Hays school bus crash.
