On a quiet Monday morning, Jamestown was struck by tragedy: a 4-year-old girl lost her life after being struck by a school bus just outside Milton J. Fletcher Elementary School.
The heartbreaking incident unfolded around 8:08 a.m. at the intersection of Cole Avenue and Whitehill Avenue on the city’s south side. According to police reports, a Panama Central School District bus was in the process of dropping off another student when the child—later identified as Leanna Herrera—was hit. Officers on scene attempted to administer first aid before she was transported to UPMC Chautauqua at WCA Hospital, where she tragically passed away.
Jamestown Public Schools has confirmed that Leanna was a student in their district, and the Fletcher Elementary community is reeling. In a statement, Dr. Kevin Whitaker, JPS Superintendent, shared the deep sorrow felt across the district: “This is an unimaginable loss… our district stands ready to support our students, staff, and families in every way we can.” Amanda Sischo, the school’s principal, echoed that grief, remembering Leanna as someone who “touched the lives of so many,” and announced that the school’s crisis intervention team is available to help students and staff process the shock.
From the Panama Central School District’s side, Superintendent Emily Harvey described the accident as a “truly tragic accident.” She noted that the bus was en route to drop off a student as part of an out-of-district placement, and that neither the driver nor the student on board was injured. Panama Central has expressed deep sympathy for Leanna’s family and the Jamestown community, asking for privacy as the investigation continues.
The Jamestown Police Department is leading the investigation, with support from the Chautauqua County Sheriff’s Office Accident Reconstruction Team and the New York State Police. So far, there are no charges, and law enforcement says all parties have been cooperative as they piece together exactly what happened.
Traffic around Fletcher Elementary was disrupted in the aftermath. Cole Avenue was closed while detectives worked the scene, adding to the already heavy atmosphere of grief in the neighborhood.
In their collective statements, both school districts called on community members who might have information to come forward. This plea underscores how devastating the loss has been. As Jamestown mourns, officials emphasize that any detail could be vital to understanding the full picture.
This tragedy has shaken the heart of the Fletcher Elementary community. While nothing can undo what’s happened, counselors, staff, and local leaders are rallying support—offering space, time, and help to grieve, heal, and remember Leanna.
