A heartbreaking incident unfolded on Wednesday morning, December 13, 2023, just outside of Big Sandy, when a pickup truck struck and killed the mother of a Big Sandy ISD student. The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. on Hwy 155.
According to State Troopers, the victim, whose name has not been released, was assisting children in boarding the school bus. She was standing near the bus with a flashlight when a man driving a pickup failed to stop for the school bus, resulting in a fatal collision.
Emergency services rushed to the scene, but officials pronounced the woman deceased upon arrival. The driver of the pickup, identified as Jimmy Lee Hewitt, was arrested and charged with manslaughter. He was subsequently transported to the Upshur County Jail, with his bond set at $150,000.
Hewitt posted bail and was released on December 14th, just a day after his arrest.
In response to the tragic incident, Big Sandy ISD Superintendent Mike Burns issued a statement, saying, "The district is providing counseling to students and staff at this time. We ask that you pray for all of those involved on this difficult day."
