Parents Of Child Killed By SUV While Getting Off Bus Speak Out

PONTOTOC CO.  MISS. (WCBI) –  Andrea Braxton visits with a family friend, just yards from the spot where her daughter, Amiya, was killed Tuesday, as she was dropped off in front of her home on Old Highway 9.

“Just say prayers for us, and wear a smile for Miya,” Andrea said.

Authorities say the driver of an SUV was heading north on the highway, when she suddenly swerved right, to avoid crashing into the back of the school bus. The SUV went off the road, onto the shoulder and struck Amiya as she stepped off the bus. The bus driver pulled Amiya’s older brother, LaMathieon, back onto the bus, saving his life.

Amiya’s mother says people have been telling her how they always noticed her daughter coming home from school.

“So many people have stopped by saying that she was a happy little girl when she got out of that bus and she will make you laugh and she had the prettiest smile, very smart and very stubborn,” she said.

Charles Braxton was at work when the tragedy occurred. He says he has no ill will toward the SUV’s driver, but he does have one question.

“What was going on in your vehicle, for you not to see that a bus came to a complete stop, with stop sign out, arm out and the lights on. So what had your attention that , took your focus off the road, where you couldn’t see that bus?” asked Charles Braxton.

Amiya’s mom and dad were planning a birthday celebration for Amiya, who would have turned eight October 12th. Although they are now planning her funeral, they say their faith is keeping them anchored through this storm.

“We know that the Lord don’t make mistakes, and just like I told my wife, this morning, I really believe it, if you look at the way the world is going, it’s going in a bad place, all the way around, not just here in Mississippi but everywhere, and like I told my wife, I feel like the Lord is building His team up, and He’s calling His angels home,” Charles said.

A “Go Fund Me” account has been set up to help the Braxton family with funeral expenses.   For more information go to www.gofundme.com and type in “andrea braxton family for amiya”