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Students take control of bus after driver collapses

Human interestHuman interest
Key Points
  • Students took control of a school bus after driver lost consciousness.
  • Driver suffered an asthma attack; students stopped the bus safely.
  • Students were recognized at a school pep rally for their actions.

According to multiple reports, a school bus driver in Mississippi lost consciousness due to an asthma attack while driving on a highway. Sixth-grader Jackson Casnave, 12, grabbed the steering wheel after noticing the bus swerving, while fellow sixth-grader Darrius Clark attempted to stop the bus by stepping on the brakes. The students managed to slow the bus and park it in the median.

Other students provided aid and called for help. Kayleigh Clark, 13, called 911. Destiny Cornelius, 15, used a nebulizer on the driver. McKenzy Finch, 13, held the driver's head and answered her phone to inform the school district. Emergency responders arrived and assisted the driver, who has since recovered.

They saved my life.

Leah Taylor, School bus driver

At a school pep rally on Friday, the students were recognized for their heroic actions. Driver Leah Taylor said at a press conference, "They saved my life." Jackson Casnave told reporters, "I didn't have time to process my emotions. I just wanted to make sure that nobody got hurt."

I didn't have time to process my emotions. I just wanted to make sure that nobody got hurt.

Jackson Casnave, Sixth-grade student

I'm very proud of them. I couldn't ask for any of my other students than my students on my bus. I love every single one of them. I'm gonna think of how they saved my life.

Leah Taylor, School bus driver
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Students take control of bus after driver collapses | Reed News