2nd Student's Death Has McKeesport Parents Asking For Change
McKEESPORT (KDKA) – Grief counselors were at a local school Friday for students mourning the loss of a classmate who was hit by a bus while leaving school.
It happened Thursday afternoon in front of the McKeesport Area Middle School, where there are no crossing guards.
People in the area say something needs to change.
While KDKA was at the scene of the accident Friday, a school faculty member was almost hit by a bus making a left-hand turn on Eden Park Boulevard while she was in the crosswalk.
It was a frustration moment for some parents who showed up Friday morning solely to help kids cross the street.
Parents walked through the crosswalk, guiding kids through the intersection in front of the McKeesport school complex.
"I'm glad to find out I'm not the only one here," said Chip Jefferson of West Mifflin. "As long as I'm not doing anything, this is where I'll be."
A few parents arrived Friday morning, following the death of 15-year-old Deonte Cobbs, who was hit by a bus and killed. The sophomore darted across Eden Park 50 feet from the crosswalk.
"It's very frustrating," said Cobbs' cousin Jeff Walker. "I don't know what it is or if it's a combination of people going too fast and kids not paying attention, but it's very frustrating."
In March 2014, 14-year-old Alyson Higdon was hit and killed by a dump truck in almost the same location. KDKA talked to parents then who said at such a busy intersection, with so many students at the middle school and high school, a crossing guard was desperately needed.
In January, McKeesport City Council approved a contract for 60 guards, but none are stationed at that particular intersection.
"I can't understand it," said Jefferson. "A life means so much more than money, so I don't know what the problem is."
"As a community, I think together we can find a resolution, whether it's getting a crossing guard, getting the police involved before or after school," said Catherine Hughes, a parent. "There's always something we can do."
Some faculty was also along the busy boulevard Friday with parents. Some arrived to place flowers at a growing memorial for Cobbs. And while the school district maintains that they've been working for two years with the city and PennDOT to make things safer, some feel like nothing is being done.
The McKeesport School District says it has no additional comment at this time and could not say if there are any future safety plans in the works.
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