Student, 17, hit and killed by school bus near Lake Minneola High School

CLERMONT — A Lake Minneola High School student riding a bicycle was struck and killed by a school bus Monday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The 6:50 a.m. crash occurred when the bus was traveling south on Hancock Road south of Fox Trail Avenue. The bicyclist, identified by school officials as 17-year-old Sherman Vannoy, was riding north on the sidewalk of Hancock Road, approaching Fox Trail, FHP said in its press release.

The cyclist approached the stop sign at the intersection and then entered the marked crosswalk. The driver of the school bus, a 78-year-old woman from Leesburg, was attempting to make a left turn to enter the school grounds when she saw the teen and swerved left, but the front of the bus struck Vannoy and the bus continued off the roadway, striking a stop sign and a chain link fence.

The driver, Mary Laurenzi, was not injured, nor was an 18-year-old special needs student and a 55-year-old woman bus monitor onboard the bus. Laurenzi was hired in 2021. She was placed on administrative leave after Monday's crash.

Vannoy was taken to South Lake Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. He was not wearing a helmet, according to the FHP release.

The crash is still under investigation.

The school sent out a bulletin to the parents of the 1,961 Lake Minneola students, but some were upset while awaiting the news.

Heidi Cruz, with Lake Minneola High School parents, wrote on Facebook: “What happened this morning is just so sad and the stress level from the parents to know what happened when couldn’t hold/reach out their child it sooo way too stressful!!!!

“I would recommend to the Director from School to have a urgent meeting with parents to see if for this fall/winter he can change the schedule and have the kids to get in no later than 7:45 am… !!

“By 7:30 a.m. it’s not dark outside, the teens are more awake !! I have seen including my son walking like a zombie they are not paying attention to their surroundings!! Please help to make this happen.

“Praying for the family and the teens involved!!”

School starts at 7:30 a.m.

Minneola Charter School posted: “This morning, our thoughts and prayers are with Lake Minneola High School and our entire community. We are sending light and love.”

Erick Hernandez, Minneola City Council Seat 4 representative, posted on social media: “It is with heavy hearts that we come together to mourn the loss of a young life in our community today. This morning, tragedy struck at Lake Minneola High School as we learned of a devastating accident that claimed the life of one of our students.

“No words can adequately express the profound sadness and grief that we are feeling as we extend our deepest condolences to the family of the student who has left us far too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this unimaginably difficult time.

“This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment we have with our loved ones. It is a reminder that, as a community, we must come together to support one another in times of sorrow and loss.

“Please keep the family of the student in your thoughts and prayers as they cope with this devastating loss. Let us also reflect on the importance of safety, compassion, and unity within our community during these trying times.”

Grief counselors were sent to the school to talk with students and staff.

Ironically, Clermont Police Chief Charles "Chuck” Broadway, who is president of the Florida Police Chief Association,was quoted Monday in a Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles press release urging drivers to be cautious and look for pedestrians.

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"October marks National Pedestrian Safety Month, and as the seasons change, so too should our vigilance on the roads. Here in Florida, where our roads are often bustling with both residents and tourists, the safety of every pedestrian is paramount.

“FPCA reminds every driver to be consistently alert and aware of those on foot, because attention behind the wheel can make all the difference. Let's celebrate the beauty of our state by ensuring that every walk taken is a safe one," he is quoted as saying in the release.

Lake schools transport 18,000 students daily on school buses, according to its website.

This article originally appeared on Ocala Star-Banner: Monday morning tragedy: School bus hits and kills Lake Minneola H.S. student