NEW ORLEANS, LA — The city of New Orleans is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 6-year-old Mason Richards, who tragically died Thursday morning after being struck by a school bus in the St. Claude neighborhood. The fatal incident occurred around 8:00 a.m. on Desire Street, just as the day was beginning for many local families.
According to the New Orleans Police Department, Mason had just exited a relative’s vehicle and was attempting to board the school bus when the tragic accident occurred. For reasons still under investigation, the child was fatally struck by the very bus he was trying to board.
Emergency responders were quickly dispatched to the scene, and Mason was rushed to a nearby hospital. Despite medical efforts, the young boy succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
Mason, described by family members as a bright, playful, and loving child, was a first-grade student filled with curiosity and joy. His death has left his family shattered and the community in shock.
“This is every parent’s worst nightmare,” said one neighbor, holding back tears. “We’ve seen Mason playing outside so many times — such a sweet little boy. It’s just devastating.”
Officials with the New Orleans Public Schools expressed their condolences in a statement Thursday afternoon:
“We are heartbroken by the loss of Mason Richards, a young student with so much life ahead of him. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family, friends, and the entire school community. We are working closely with authorities to understand how this tragedy occurred and are providing grief counselors at the affected school.”
The driver of the bus remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators. Authorities have not announced any charges, and the circumstances leading up to the incident remain under investigation by the New Orleans Police Department’s Traffic Fatality Unit.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, officials are urging the public to remain vigilant in school zones and at bus stops, especially during the busy hours of student pick-up and drop-off. The incident is also prompting calls for enhanced safety measures around school transportation and loading procedures.
Community members have already begun to rally around the Richards family, with flowers and teddy bears placed near the site of the accident as a makeshift memorial. A candlelight vigil is being planned for this weekend to honor Mason’s memory and support his grieving loved ones.
“We have to come together as a community now,” said Pastor Lawrence Thomas of a local church. “Mason was a child with a future, and his life mattered deeply. We’ll carry his memory forward and ensure that his loss is not in vain.”
As the investigation continues, city leaders are expected to review current school bus safety protocols in an effort to prevent future tragedies. Meanwhile, Mason Richards will be remembered as a joyful, loving child who touched the lives of many in his short time on earth.