A tragic turn of events that rocked the community of Panola County involved the death of a young person in a school bus crash. The South Panola School bus and a driver collided on Wednesday morning at around 7:15 a.m., according to confirmation from the Mississippi Highway Patrol. Family relatives have confirmed that the victim is Katelyn Ray.
The incident happened when Ray’s vehicle struck a South Panola School bus from behind on Highway 15 close to Highway 6 in Panola County. Ray was traveling to pick up her older sister from work when this tragic turn of events happened. A brief but heartfelt chat about love and family ties was Katelyn’s last discussion with her mother, Shelia Ray. Tragically, it would be their last goodbye.
As she described the events, Shelia Ray said she couldn’t believe what happened next. Concern grew as the family tried to contact Katelyn but was met with an unsettling quiet. The excruciating wait came to an end when Katelyn received a call from the highway patrol informing them of the tragic news of a serious vehicle accident.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol reports that Katelyn Ray’s automobile struck the back of the school bus with such force that it was forced into collision. The family’s concern was heightened by the chronology of events, especially after Katelyn did not show up at her sister’s office by 7:30 a.m. The victim’s sister, Courtney Pettit, expressed her growing concern and wondered where Katelyn had been at those critical times.
Uncertainty drove Courtney Pettit to social media, where she posted a heartfelt message on Facebook asking for any information regarding her sister who had vanished. The family was devastated to learn of the catastrophe that occurred on Panola County’s highways during this frantic search.
Katelyn’s aunt, Stephanie Pettit, acknowledged the difficulties of picturing the events leading up to the tragedy and emphasized the family’s sadness. As a happy aunt herself, Katelyn demonstrated her lively and gregarious attitude by actively enrolling in GED programs at the WIN Job Center.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol is leading the continuing investigation into the incident while the Panola County community struggles with the loss of a young life. Katelyn Ray, who had only been a driver for two months before the terrible accident, was a recent addition to the close-knit community. This tragic event has left a hole that serves as a sobering reminder of how fleeting life is on the highways.
