Kentucky Teen Killed After Being Struck by School Bus

The Clark County student was reportedly trying to cross a street when the bus struck her.

September 6, 2024

Kentucky Teen Killed After Being Struck by School Bus — 15-year-old McKenna Letcher was struck by a school bus when attempting to cross the street.
Photo: Clark County Schools/School Bus Fleet

1 min to read

A fatal school bus crash is under investigation in Clark County, Kentucky. A 15-year-old was killed after being struck by a school bus on Sept. 3. Spectrum News identified the teen as McKenna Letcher, a freshman at George Rogers Clark High School.

Clark County Sheriff Berl Perdue told WKYT that the incident is being investigated as an accident, and does not believe there was any negligence.

The crash happened during the morning route on Sept. 3. The Clark County coroner told Spectrum News that Letcher was trying to cross Veterans Memorial Parkway in Winchester when the bus struck her. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

The district superintendent released a statement, saying he was heartbroken over the accident. Grief counselors and other support staff were available for students after the crash.

Gov. Andy Beshear offered his condolences in a statement posted to X, formerly known as Twitter.

My heart aches for the family and friends of this precious child lost in this tragedy. Please join Britainy and me in lifting up the Clark County community in prayers of peace and comfort.https://t.co/IBDwBoWpEH
— Governor Andy Beshear (@GovAndyBeshear) September 3, 2024

The Clark County Sheriff's Office and Clark County Coroner's Office are investigating the incident.

Topics:school bus crash Road Deaths Fatal Accidents Safety

More Safety

Safety•June 11, 2026

Pro-Vision Launches AI-Powered 360° Camera System

The new Birdseye camera delivers real-time AI-based pedestrian and vehicle detections, full visibility around the bus, and telematics integrations.

Safety•by Elora Haynes•June 9, 2026

N.Y. & N.J. Coalitions Call for Modernized Transportation for Vulnerable Students

New statewide coalitions in New York and New Jersey are urging lawmakers to expand student transportation options for vulnerable students amid ongoing driver shortages.

Graphic for an opinion article on illegal school bus passing. A school bus with its stop arm extended is stopped as children cross the street, while a black SUV drives past. Headline reads, “America’s School Bus Blind Spot.” School Bus Fleet branding appears in the corner.

Safety•June 8, 2026

America Has a School Bus Passing Problem — and Distraction Is Making It Worse

Illegal school bus passing remains a major safety threat as distracted driving rises. This op-ed explores why awareness, enforcement, and stop-arm cameras matter more than ever.

A black, white, and red graphic with an image of a school bus on a New York street and text reading "Legislative Roundup May 2026."

Safety•by Elora Haynes•May 29, 2026

School Bus Laws to Watch: New York Delays EV Mandate

Plus, federal lawmakers seek new funding for school bus safety as states weigh stop-arm enforcement, disability protections, and education spending.

The Essential Handbook for Safe Alternative Student Transportation

Your district's "exception riders" — students with IEPs, those experiencing homelessness, foster care youth — deserve more than a middleman solution. This handbook breaks down exactly what to look for in a supplemental transportation partner: from driver vetting and regulatory compliance to proactive safety technology. Because getting a ride isn't the same as getting a safe one.