Tragedy as high school student, 17, is knocked off his bicycle and killed when the school bus, driven by a 78-year-old, turned left into an intersection, meters from the school entrance

A 17-year-old high school student has died after the 78-year-old school bus driver struck him just yards from his high school.

Sherman Vannoy, a senior at Lake Minneola High School, Florida, died Monday at South Lake Hospital after being hit by a school bus around 7 a.m., shortly before his classes started.

Florida Highway Patrol troopers are still investigating the crash and have so far said the driver and cyclist attempted to enter school grounds at the same time, resulting in the fatal crash.

Sherman was reportedly not wearing his helmet at the time.

Florida troopers said the 78-year-old driver, identified locally as Mary Laurenzi, was operating a school district special needs bus and has since been placed on administrative leave.

The local community was shocked by the accident

His high school football team dedicated their game last night to Sherman

Local media reported that Laurenzi, who was hired in November 2021, was driving an unidentified 18-year-old and a 55-year-old, neither of whom were injured.

The local community has been devastated by the crash.

Sherman’s fellow Lake Minneola High School students paid tribute to him at a football game Monday night.

Cheerleaders wore orange to honor him, while the school’s team said they dedicated their 47-3 win against East Ridge to the high school.

Parents from the area also paid tribute to him.

Robbi Mitchell said in a Facebook post about the incident: ‘As a mother of two teenage boys who choose to cycle to school every day just a few miles away from this horrific tragedy, this fear has unfortunately been echoed in my mind more than once. head gone.’

Local politician Erick Hernandez, who sits on the Minneola City Council, said in a social media post:

Florida police are still investigating the crash

The driver was reportedly placed on administrative leave following the accident

“It is with heavy hearts that we gather today to mourn the loss of a young life in our community. This morning, tragedy struck Lake Minneola High School when we learned of a devastating accident that claimed the life of one of our students.

“No words can adequately express the deep sadness and grief we feel as we extend our deepest condolences to the family of the student who left us far too soon. Our thoughts and prayers are with them during this incredibly difficult time.

“This tragic incident is a stark reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing every moment we have with our loved ones. It reminds us that we must come together as a community to support each other in times of grief and loss.

“Please keep the student’s family in your thoughts and prayers as they cope with this devastating loss. Let us also reflect on the importance of safety, compassion and unity within our community during these difficult times.”

The same day Sherman was hit, Florida Highway Patrol launched a pedestrian safety campaign.

Clermont Police Chief Charles Broadway said: “October is National Pedestrian Safety Month, and as the seasons change, so must our vigilance on the roadways.

“Here in Florida, where our roadways are often busy with residents and tourists alike, the safety of every pedestrian is our top priority.”

Florida Highway Patrol data shows that pedestrian crashes have risen rapidly since 2020, although fatalities have increased only slightly.

The force said that in 2022, the months of March, October and December had the highest number of accidents, and Friday was the most common day on which accidents occurred.