Girl, 13, Dies Trying to Catch Bus on Last Day of School

A 13-year-old girl on Staten Island was hit and killed while trying to catch a city bus on the last day of school.

Aniya Williams used to ride a school bus but because of budget cuts, service was cut to her Staten Island School of Civic Leadership. She was trying to catch a city bus home after dismissal on the final day of classes when she was hit.

The seventh-grader was crossing Goethals Road North near South Avenue when the driver of a tractor trailer hit her.

The teen died at a nearby hospital.

Williams' best friend, Iteoma Ukatu, witnessed the tragic incident.

"She was a good student and she was a really really good friend. Everybody misses her, and it's really unfortunate that that had to be happen," said Ukatu as she choked back tears. "She didn't have to go this way. It was way too early for her."

The driver of the truck remained at the scene. No criminal charges were filed.

City Councilwoman Debi Rose sent an email to the city Department of Education saying the decision to reduce bus service should be reconsidered in the aftermath of Williams' death.

She also wrote the city Department of Transportation, saying school crossing signs on the road should be repainted and there should be more crossing guards around the school.

"I was deeply saddened to hear of Miss Williams’ passing," Rose said in a statement. "Although no words can really help to ease the loss, just know that my thoughts and prayers go out to Miss Williams’ family, her friends and her teachers."

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