Reedsburg student dies after being hit by truck while boarding bus

MADISON, Wis. (WMTV) – A middle school student died Friday morning in the Town of Excelsior after being hit by a pickup truck while trying to board a school bus, the Sauk Co. Sheriff’s Office confirmed.

In a statement, the School District of Reedsburg indicated the student, whose name has not been released, attended Webb Middle School.

“This is a truly devastating time for our entire community, and it will have far-reaching effects,” the district wrote in a statement. “Our thought continue to be the student and family and all those impacted in our tight-knit community.”

According to the Sheriff’s Office, the bus was heading west along State Hwy 23/33 shortly before 7:30 a.m. when it stopped near Northwoods Drive. The student had not yet boarded when a Ford F-150 came up behind the bus. Investigators determined the driver did not slow down in time and swerved right to avoid the school bus.

The full-size pickup ended up sideswiping the bus before going over a driveway and striking the student, the Sheriff’s Office reported. First responders attempted life-saving measures, but the student was pronounced dead at the scene.

None of the students who were on the bus at the time suffered any injuries, the Sheriff’s Office statement noted. After the wreck, they were taken to Webb Middle School where they could be reunited with their families. According to the district, its student services team went to the school as well.

The driver of the truck, whose name also has not been released, suffered minor injuries,” the Sheriff’s Office reported. The crash remains under investigation and reconstruction units were at the scene collecting evidence for several hours. The highway, which had been completely closed from the time of the wreck, reopened shortly after noon. Anyone with information on the crash is asked to call the Sauk Co. Sheriff’s Office at 1-888-847-7285.

The school district sent counselors to all its schools to offer help to any students or staff members who need it. They will also be available from 8 a.m. to noon on Saturday at Webb Middle School.

Additionally, its statement noted all high school athletic events for Friday night and Saturday are canceled.

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