A tragic accident has left the community of Panola County in mourning after 16-year-old Katelyn Ray lost her life in a collision with a school bus. The incident took place early Wednesday morning at around 7:15 a.m. on Highway 15 near Highway 6. According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, Katelyn’s vehicle struck the rear of a South Panola School bus, resulting in her untimely death.
Katelyn was on her way to pick up her elder sister, Courtney Pettit, from work when the accident occurred. Her mother, Shelia Ray, recalled their last conversation, which she described as a touching reminder of the close bond they shared. The family became worried when Katelyn failed to arrive at Courtney’s workplace by 7:30 a.m.
Courtney expressed her concern through a heartfelt social media post, pleading for any information about Katelyn’s whereabouts. Her message reflected the family’s growing unease as they awaited news. Tragically, their worst fears were confirmed when the Mississippi Highway Patrol contacted them with the devastating news of Katelyn’s passing.
The force of the collision left the family and community struggling to comprehend the event. Katelyn’s aunt, Stephanie Pettit, shared how deeply the tragedy has impacted them, describing the immense difficulty of coming to terms with her sudden loss. For a family so tightly knit, the grief is immeasurable.
Having earned her driver’s license just two months earlier, Katelyn was known as a cheerful and outgoing young woman with a bright future ahead of her. The entire Panola County community has come together in sorrow, remembering Katelyn for the joy she brought into their lives while offering support to her grieving family.
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