A grieving Las Vegas mother is speaking out after her 12-year-old daughter, Haylee, was killed when a school bus struck her as she rode her bike home in northwest Las Vegas. “It’s been a crazy few months,” said Meghan Ryan, Haylee’s mother, as she stood beside a growing memorial of candles, flowers, and handwritten notes.
“I just know that Haylee is with God right now. That’s the only thing keeping me going. Her friends and family love her.” According to Las Vegas Metro Police, the accident occurred just before 3:30 p.m. Monday near Bradley Road and West Tropical Parkway. Investigators said Haylee was riding home when an oncoming school bus collided with her, throwing her from the bike.
Ryan was at work when she received the devastating call. “I was hyperventilating on the drive to UMC and praying that I didn’t pass out,” she said. “I have been there three times in the last few months.” She explained that her family has faced several hardships recently: she separated from her husband, her 8-year-old son is battling brain cancer, and her nephew is paralyzed. “It’s been a crazy year,” she added quietly.
Haylee, who had just turned 12 in August, was a seventh grader known for her creativity and energy. “Her creativity, you never knew what she was coming up with,” Ryan said with a small smile. “Her room would be clean, and then all of a sudden she’s working on more art stuff. She never wanted to sit. She was always creating.”
At the site of the crash, neighbors and classmates have gathered to mourn. Photos of Haylee surrounded by flowers and messages of love serve as reminders of the young life lost too soon. Ryan described the area where the collision occurred as dangerous and congested, urging city officials to create safer routes and better parking options for parents picking up their children.
When asked how the community could help, Ryan said simply, “Pray.” A GoFundMe page has been set up to help cover Haylee’s funeral expenses. “She was such a bright light,” Ryan said. “And now I just have to believe she’s shining somewhere better.”