A 75-year-old Clark County school bus driver was found at fault in the tragic collision that killed Haylee Ryan, a 12-year-old cyclist, in the northwest Las Vegas Valley, according to a police report. The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on October 6, as Haylee was riding west on Tropical Parkway near North Emerald Eagle Street. She was attempting to pass a vehicle parked in the westbound bike lane when the front right corner of the bus struck her bike’s left handlebar. This caused her to collide with the parked SUV, and the bus, failing to give her enough roadway space, ran over her, traveling another 121 feet before stopping.
Both the bus and the parked vehicle remained at the scene. Haylee suffered serious injuries and was transported to University Medical Center’s trauma unit, where she died the next day. The crash report noted she was not wearing safety equipment at the time. The bus, a 2019 Thomas Built model, sustained minor damage and was towed by a Clark County School District (CCSD) transport vehicle.
Police identified the bus driver as Lorcesa Lewis, 75, of Las Vegas. As of Monday, it was unclear if Lewis was still employed by CCSD. Authorities have not commented on whether the driver has been cited in the incident.
Haylee’s death followed another tragedy involving a CCSD student, Cristofer Suarez, 12, who was killed in a hit-and-run on October 3. The community has rallied in support of Haylee’s family, with nearly 400 people attending a vigil at Lied STEM Academy, her school, and a GoFundMe campaign raising almost $80,000 for funeral expenses.
A celebration of life for Haylee Ryan is scheduled for 9 a.m. on October 18 at Canyon Ridge Christian Church, 6200 W. Lone Mountain Road. Her mother, Meghan Ryan, described Haylee as deeply loved and a cherished member of the community.