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10-year-old girl hit by bus has died, vigil held in her honor

Posted at 2:29 PM, May 02, 2014
and last updated 2014-05-02 22:15:11-04

SOUTH JORDAN, Utah -- Officials said Friday that a young girl who was critically injured in an accident involving a school bus Wednesday has died.

Master Officer Sam Winkler of the South Jordan Police Department stated in an email Friday around 2:35 p.m. that 10-year-old Seleny Crosby passed away with "her family at her side."

Seleny was exiting a school bus that had pulled over on 4000 West near 10570 South to offload students Wednesday, and officials said she crossed in front of that bus and out into traffic, where she was struck by a second school bus traveling in that lane. The child was rushed to a hospital and eventually put on life support.

The child's family released a statement through a spokesperson. The statement reads:

"The family is with their daughter at this time.  They are appreciative of the kind thoughts from their neighbors and across the state.  They ask for continued prayers during the most difficult crisis a parent can face.  

 The family is aware of the vigil planned this evening.  This is an opportunity for the community to perform its basic function: an affirmation of support for one of its families.  Appreciation is extended to the media who have largely been accepting of the family's request for privacy.  It is asked that this consideration be extended for a period of time. 

 A trust has been set up to assist with donations toward expenses.  Donations to the Seleny Crosby Donation Trust" may be made at any US Bank branch in Utah."

A vigil was planned for Friday at 7 p.m. at Cedarwood Park, which is very near where the accident occurred. The photo below shows a crowd that gathered at the vigil Friday.

Vigil for Seleny

Officials stated in the press release that GPS data and surveillance videos supplied from the Jordan School District show speed was not a factor in the crash and that the driver of the bus that struck Seleny was not distracted.

The release stated that the driver of the bus that had stopped to offload students had activated the four-way hazard flashers on the vehicle but did not activate the yellow or red school bus loading lights or stop signs on the bus.

The case is still being investigated, and both bus drivers were placed on paid administrative leave, which is standard procedure.

Related story: Parents, officials discuss safety procedures after child hit by school bus