Jenna Menias, a 6-year-old Grand Prairie Elementary School student, died Tuesday after being struck by a school bus on the block where her family lives in Frankfort, Illinois. Witnesses and first responders performed CPR before she was rushed to Saint James Hospital in Olympia Fields, where she was pronounced dead. A GoFundMe for the family has raised more than $52,000 of its $80,000 goal.
Suburban Frankfort is reeling from another tragedy after a 6-year-old girl was struck and killed by a school bus driver Tuesday afternoon, just steps from where her family lives.
What Happened
The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 500 block of Aberdeen Road, near Heather Lane, police said. When officers arrived at the scene, they found 6-year-old Jenna Menias unresponsive with serious injuries after being struck by the bus.
Witnesses and first responders immediately began CPR and other lifesaving measures before Jenna was transported to Saint James Hospital in Olympia Fields, where she later died.
Aerial footage of the scene captured by NBC Chicago’s Sky 5 showed two yellow school buses surrounded by marked police cars and emergency vehicles on the residential street, with a crowd of onlookers nearby. A purple backpack could be seen lying in the street.
Several passengers were aboard the school bus at the time of the crash. No other injuries were reported.
Statements From Police and the School District
Frankfort police extended condolences to the family while asking for privacy during the investigation. “This tragic accident has had a profound impact on those involved, their families, and our community,” the department said in a statement. “We extend our deepest sympathies to everyone affected by this heartbreaking event. Our thoughts and prayers are with the victim, their family, loved ones and all those impacted as they navigate this difficult time. We kindly ask the community and media to respect the privacy of those involved and their families, allowing them the time and compassion they need during this period of grief.”
Frankfort School District 157-C also issued a statement mourning the loss of one of its own. “It is with profound sadness that we share that our school community has experienced an unimaginable loss,” the district said. “Tragically, the bus accident that occurred yesterday has resulted in the passing of one of our Grand Prairie Elementary students. Everyone in the Frankfort School District 157-C community is devastated by this tragic loss and offer our sincerest condolences to our student’s family and friends. We mourn alongside them and hold them in our thoughts during this time of profound grief.”
The district said schools remained open to support students and staff as the community processes the loss, with additional social workers, psychologists, and trained support staff made available throughout the district. Mental health professionals will continue to be available to help students and staff working through grief, anxiety, or other emotions tied to the tragedy.
A Community Rallying Together
A GoFundMe established for Jenna’s family had raised just over $52,000 of its $80,000 goal at the time of publishing, as neighbors and supporters continue stepping in to help however they can.
A Second Tragedy in a Single Week
Jenna’s death comes just a week after another devastating tragedy shook the same Frankfort community: the death of 2-year-old Barrett Walsh, whose mother, Corie A. Walsh, 40, has since been charged with three counts of first-degree murder after she was found inside the family’s home attempting to harm herself. That neighborhood is now lined with blue ribbons and a growing memorial.
Frankfort Mayor Keith Ogle told NBC Chicago that the back-to-back losses have taken a visible toll on the community. “It’s just heartbreaking. It was just another sleepless night for us and for the family,” Ogle said. “Our hearts just go out to them.”
Investigation Ongoing
The investigation into Jenna’s death remains active. Anyone with information about the crash is asked to contact the Frankfort Police Department.
