Mason Richards, 6, Fatally Struck by School Bus in New Orleans While Attempting to Board Community Mourns Loss of Young Life
A tragic accident on Thursday morning has claimed the life of six-year-old Mason Richards, a bright and joyful child whose life was cut devastatingly short in the very place he should have been safest — on his way to school.
According to authorities, the fatal incident occurred around 8:00 a.m. on Desire Street, in New Orleans’ Upper 9th Ward neighborhood. Mason had just been dropped off by a relative and was approaching his school bus when he was struck by the vehicle that was meant to take him to school. The circumstances of how the accident occurred are still under investigation.
Emergency medical services were immediately dispatched to the scene. Mason was rushed to a local hospital, but despite efforts by first responders and trauma personnel, he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival.
The bus driver remained at the scene, fully cooperating with police. Authorities have not yet released the driver’s identity but confirmed that impairment is not suspected at this time.
A Routine Morning Turns Tragic
What began as a routine school morning quickly spiraled into a devastating scene of panic and heartbreak. Witnesses in the neighborhood reported hearing screams and sirens just after 8 a.m.
“I looked outside and saw the flashing lights,” said one neighbor, who declined to be named. “When I realized it was a child, my heart just broke. That could’ve been anyone’s baby.”
Mason was a first-grade student at a nearby elementary school. Teachers and staff, who received word of the accident shortly after it happened, were described as “shaken and heartbroken.”
“He was just a little boy with a bright smile and a gentle spirit,” said one of Mason’s teachers. “You don’t expect this kind of tragedy. Not like this.”
Ongoing Investigation
The New Orleans Police Department’s Traffic Fatality Unit is leading the investigation into the incident. While full details have yet to be confirmed, preliminary reports indicate that Mason exited a relative’s car and began approaching the bus when the accident occurred. It’s unclear if the driver saw the child or if there was a miscommunication regarding when it was safe to board.
NOPD is reviewing traffic camera footage from the surrounding area and interviewing witnesses. Investigators have not said whether any charges will be filed.
“Right now, our focus is on understanding exactly what happened and supporting the family,” said NOPD spokesperson Capt. Henry Fields. “This is a profoundly tragic incident.”
Community in Mourning
As news of the accident spread, an outpouring of grief and support flowed in from across the New Orleans community. Friends, neighbors, and parents gathered on Desire Street throughout the morning to lay down flowers, stuffed animals, and handwritten notes near the scene.
Mason is remembered as a cheerful, imaginative, and polite little boy who loved superheroes, drawing, and playing outside with neighborhood friends.
“He had this laugh that would make you smile even on a bad day,” said family friend Tanesha Williams. “He was just a good, good kid.”
Local organizations and city leaders expressed condolences. New Orleans City Council member Monique Johnson called Mason’s death “an unbearable loss” and urged the city to evaluate school bus safety protocols.
“We owe it to Mason and every child in this city to ensure they can get to school safely,” Johnson said in a statement.
School District Responds
The Orleans Parish School Board released a statement expressing deep sorrow and confirming that grief counselors would be made available at Mason’s school.
“We are devastated by the loss of one of our youngest students, Mason Richards,” the statement read. “We send our heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones. The district is working closely with law enforcement and will provide all necessary resources to support the school community in the days and weeks ahead.”
The school Mason attended has not been named publicly out of respect for the family’s privacy.
A City Searching for Answers
This tragedy has reignited discussions around school bus safety, especially during pick-up and drop-off times. Desire Street, like many roads in the area, is a residential stretch that often sees fast-moving traffic during morning hours. There are growing calls for better signage, more traffic monitors, and stricter procedures around student pick-up zones.
Mason’s family, meanwhile, is left grappling with a loss that no parent should ever have to face.
“He was just going to school,” said Mason’s uncle, Terrence Richards. “We dropped him off like we always do. We never imagined that’d be the last time we saw him smiling.”
A Community Rallies
In the hours after the incident, a GoFundMe page was launched to help support the Richards family with funeral expenses and memorial arrangements. Within just a few hours, community members and strangers alike had donated thousands, accompanied by messages of support, prayer, and heartbreak.
A candlelight vigil is being organized by community leaders for this coming weekend, where residents will gather to honor Mason’s life and call for safer systems for children across the city.
