In a heartbreaking incident that has shaken the Panola County community, Katelyn Ray, a young woman, tragically lost her life in a school bus crash. The Mississippi Highway Patrol confirmed that the collision occurred at around 7:15 a.m. when Ray’s car rear-ended a South Panola School bus on Highway 15 near Highway 6. Ray, who had recently obtained her driver’s license, was on her way to pick up her older sister from work at the time of the crash. Her last conversation with her mother, Shelia Ray, was a simple exchange of love, which unknowingly became their final farewell. As the family awaited her arrival, they became increasingly worried when Katelyn did not show up by 7:30 a.m., prompting a desperate search on social media for information,

The family’s worst fears were confirmed when the Mississippi Highway Patrol contacted them with the devastating news of Katelyn’s involvement in the accident. Courtney Pettit, Katelyn’s sister, expressed the growing concern as they waited for her to arrive and began seeking help online. Katelyn, who was actively pursuing her GED at the WIN Job Center, was known for her vibrant personality and pride in being an aunt. The community of Panola County now mourns the loss of a young life, and the investigation into the crash is ongoing. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of safety on the roads.