11th grader dies weeks after she’s hit at school bus stop, Pennsylvania family says
Arianna Landis was trying to board her school bus when she was hit by a passing vehicle in Pennsylvania, according to local media reports.
For a little over two weeks, the Northeastern High School junior was “hospitalized with serious injuries,” The Patriot-News reported. Arianna then died of her injuries on Thursday, Nov. 10.
“Arianna was a much loved Bobcat and a dear friend to many,” Northeastern School District said in a statement obtained by McClatchy News. “She will be deeply missed.”
Family members confirmed her death on social media.
“Unfortunately Arianna’s injuries were much more than her little body could battle, although she was so strong and brave and fought so hard,” Danielle Whitebread wrote on Facebook. “I really cannot come up with the words to express how devastated we are. None of this makes sense and it is not fair.”
“We are so proud to know that you will be a hero to another family and save the lives of several others,” Whitebread continued. “We have ourselves the strongest, most beautiful guardian angel looking out for us. Saddle up and ride on beautiful girl. I hope you have all the horsies you’ve always wanted in Heaven. Until we meet again.”
Newberry Township Police Department officers responded to the incident shortly after 7 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 26, McClatchy News reported. Officers found a student was hit by a vehicle heading in the opposite direction of the stopped school bus.
The bus stop sign and lights were activated at the time of the crash, according to the York Daily Record. The driver was cooperating with police.
McClatchy News requested an update from police on Nov. 11 and did not immediately hear back. Authorities told the York Daily Record that the incident is still under investigation.
“I thought I’d always watch you grow up and watch you thrive. … You had so many big dreams, you had the best sense of humor,” Addie Winemiller said on Facebook. “You didn’t grow up perfect but you grew up happy and that’s all that mattered. ... I hope you are running meadows, and talking to your Grandma. It’s not fair how you had to go like this. …You will always be in my heart. Life just isn’t fair, but you made every second count. Just know I loved you like a little sister.”
“It truly kills me (life) got cut short for you,” Holly Swemley wrote. “I can only imagine the adventures you would have taken with rio and how far you would have gotten. I hope you get to still carry on and ride as you dreamed and every horse entering heaven gets to be greeted by your kind beautiful soul.”
Counseling and support services will be available to students and staff.
Newberry Township is about 110 miles northwest of Philadelphia.
This story was originally published November 11, 2022 at 12:03 PM with the headline "11th grader dies weeks after she’s hit at school bus stop, Pennsylvania family says."