Kansas Student Hit, Killed by School Bus

An 8-year-old was struck and killed by a school bus in her Kansas neighborhood on Aug. 16. The Sedgwick County Sheriff's Office identified the child as Harmoney Harper.

The accident happened during the bus's morning route in Wichita. Authorities told KSN that Harper and her brother were waiting outside for the school bus when she reportedly entered the street where the bus was moving. Investigators believe Harper ran into the street, where she was struck by the oncoming bus. The bus that hit Harper was not the one she was waiting for.

According to the Sheriff's Office, some students were on the bus at the time of the accident; no one on the bus was injured. A separate bus arrived at the accident site to transport students to school.

No charges are expected to be filed. The school bus is owned and operated by Derby Public Schools, where Harper attended. The district noted it is fully cooperating with any requests from law enforcement during the investigation.

Harper was a 4th grade student at Oaklawn Elementary School. A district spokesperson shared a statement with School Bus Fleet, saying it is working alongside Harper's family to provide support.

“[Harper] was full of compliments for everyone around her. Any time you would see her, she had a smile on her face and was always the first to give everyone a hug each day. Her passing is a tremendous loss and Harmoney will be missed greatly at Oaklawn," said Donna Osborn, Oaklawn Elementary principal.

The district is offering support from social workers to students and staff who need it.

Harmoney's father, Jasper, spoke to KSN after the accident, saying he wants his daughter to be remembered for how she loved life.