OTTAWA COUNTY, Mich.–A teenager who was hit by a car at a bus stop in Ottawa County remains in critical condition at Spectrum Hospital in Grand Rapids.
The accident happened around 7 a.m. off 8th Avenue, north of Arthur Street in Wright Township.
Jovani Viveros Villa, 15, was crossing the road with his younger brother outside of their home to get on a Coopersville Public School Bus when he was struck.
Ottawa County Sheriff’s Deputies say the bus had been traveling southbound on 8th avenue and was stopped when a driver traveling northbound on 8th Avenue went through the flashing red lights of the school bus and hit Viveros. His younger brother called 911 and he was transported to the hospital with critical injuries.
Viveros is a former Coopersville student who attends New Options High School, an alternative education program with Allendale Public Schools. His siblings still attend school in the Coopersville District, according to school leaders.
Nine students from the district, mostly middle school students, were on the bus when the crash happened.
“Certainly a difficult day as we work to address the situation with the family and the needs of the family, but also the needs of our students here on campus who were witnesses to the accident, ”
said Coopersville Superintendent Ron Veldman.
Here is a statement sent to parents from Coopersville Public Schools:
“This morning a former Coopersville student was seriously injured at a
bus stop. The Coopersville bus was not involved in the accident.
Student riders on the bus are meeting with school counselors. Our
thoughts and support are with the student and family.”
The incident is still under investigation.
The driver of the car has been identified as 79-year-old Margaret Geffner who was treated at the scene for minor injuries.
Investigators do not believe she was on the phone or texting.
According to Michigan driving records, she has a clean driving record with no violations.
Family, friends, classmates, and staff continue to visit Viveros in the hospital and pray for a recovery.
