No charges pending against bus driver

Published 5:37 pm Monday, January 12, 2009

No charges are pending against the driver of the school bus that struck and killed a 4-year-old at Riverdale Elementary School on Friday, authorities said Monday.

The accident that killed Jameer Khamarie Woodley is under investigation by the Southampton County Sheriff’s Office. According to a news release, investigators were talking to eyewitnesses and collecting forensic evidence. Authorities have not identified the bus driver.

The sheriff’s office said deputies responded to the accident at 8:05 a.m. and that members of the Franklin Fire and Rescue Department were also called to the scene. When emergency crews arrived, they determined that the child had died.

“Any loss of life is a tragedy, and the loss of a child under any circumstances is especially tragic,” Southampton County Sheriff Vernie Francis said in a written statement. “The Woodley family and the families of those involved are in our thoughts and prayers.”

An instant-alert message was sent out to Riverdale parents on Sunday evening announcing that the school would be closed on Tuesday for Jameer’s funeral.

The funeral will be at 1 p.m. at Apostolic Faith Church of God, located at 680 Oak St. in Franklin.

Check www.thetidewaternews.com regularly for updates.