6-Year-Old Black Boy Dies After Being Hit By School Bus, No Charges Filed

Nationwide — Mason Richards, a 6-year-old African American boy from New Orleans, Louisiana, tragically died after being struck by the school bus while trying to board it. Police are investigating the incident, but no charges have been filed yet.

According to Fox 8 Live, the accident happened just after 8 a.m. on April 10th along Desire Street in the city’s Ninth Ward. New Orleans police say Mason had just gotten out of his mother’s car when he was struck. He was taken to the hospital but later died from his injuries.

Mason was a student at KIPP Leadership. His death has deeply affected his family and the community. His aunt, Andrea Haynes, shared the family’s grief, saying, “My little nephew is dead. You can’t bring him back. This is a problem!”

Authorities say the bus driver stayed at the scene and passed a field sobriety test. There were no signs of impairment, and no charges are being filed at this time.

Neighbors said the bus kept moving down the street after hitting Mason. His mother picked him up and tried to drive him to the hospital, while two nearby residents gave CPR until emergency crews arrived. The family lived about a block from the bus stop.

Family friend Pastor Fredrick Sweetwyne said the entire neighborhood feels the loss. “Having a six-year-old die in the street is very horrific,” he said.

KIPP New Orleans Schools and local officials, including Mayor LaToya Cantrell and Dr. Fateama Fulmore, Superintendent-elect of NOLA Public Schools, offered condolences and support to Mason’s family. Counseling services are being provided to those affected by this tragedy.

The investigation into the incident is ongoing.