Kindergarten child and mother killed in school bus crash in Mamaroneck identified

WESTCHESTER COUNTY – The mother and child who died in a school bus crash in Mamaroneck on Thursday were identified by police as 43-year-old Molly Murphy Donovan and her six-year-old son, Michael Donovan Volpe.

Michael attended kindergarten at Mamaroneck Avenue School and his mother lived in Mamaroneck.

The identity of the school bus driver is not being released as the investigation is ongoing. No charges have been filed against the bus driver at this time.

Mamaroneck police said in a statement Friday that they are working with authorities and Westchester County to find ways to improve pedestrian and traffic safety at the intersection.

Michael was pronounced dead at the scene. His mother, Molly, was taken to a hospital and later died, police said. Both lived in Mamaroneck.

“They were doing CPR and a lifeless little boy on the floor. Then they put a sheet over him. As a parent, it’s a terrible thing to watch,” said Sandra, who witnessed the incident.

What happened in the Mamaroneck school bus accident?

The bus, which was on its way to school, was coming east from New Street and turned left onto Mamaroneck Avenue when the light was green, police said.

According to police, when the bus turned, several parents with children crossed the street at the pedestrian crossing light.

None of the passengers, including the students and a helper on board, were injured.

The school bus driver cooperated with investigators and “it currently appears that this incident was a tragic accident.” Police say no charges have been filed yet.

Several parents who spoke to FOX 5 NY said the tragedy was inevitable.

“There are way too many cars racing up and down this street,” said one parent. “…you can hear the squeaking noises.”

“We specifically asked at this traffic light if we could put a school crossing guard for the children because the traffic light is very dangerous,” said Iliana Hernandez, another mother.

In a statement, Mamaroneck Schools said, “There is nothing worse for a community than the loss of a life, and we know that this news is deeply shocking to everyone in the Mamaroneck and Larchmont communities. We also know that the death of a child is especially difficult for other children to process. We have already informed our staff of this incredible loss, and social workers and psychologists are fully deployed at MAS.”

Royal Coach Lines, a bus company in Yonkers, also issued a statement: “We are deeply saddened by this tragic incident and our thoughts and prayers are with the family and loved ones. We are cooperating fully with local authorities as the investigation continues.”