On November 21, 12-year-old Brayden Callahan was crossing the street near his home when the unthinkable happened. What should have been a routine walk turned into a heartbreaking tragedy as Brayden was struck by the very school bus that was supposed to carry children safely to their destinations.

Brayden’s death has left the community in shock, struggling to comprehend how such a tragedy could unfold so close to home. Investigators have revealed that the bus driver, Jeffrey Colburn, failed to follow essential safety protocols. According to the findings, Colburn did not deploy the bus’s safety arm, a critical step designed to protect children from oncoming traffic as they cross the street after exiting the bus. This crucial safety measure was missed, and Brayden, full of life and promise, was tragically lost.

Described by those who knew him as bright, curious, and deeply loved, Brayden was a child who left a mark on everyone he met. His presence brought warmth and joy to his family, friends, and the community. His tragic passing has created an irreplaceable void, one that no amount of time or comfort will fill.

The pain of this loss is immeasurable, but it has also sparked a fierce demand for change. As the community mourns Brayden’s death, they are united in their determination to ensure that no other family should ever face such a preventable tragedy. Stronger safety measures and more rigorous adherence to established protocols are being called for to prevent this kind of accident from occurring again.

Brayden’s story has ignited a conversation about the importance of child safety on school buses, a place that should offer protection, not danger. His family, along with countless others in the community, are demanding accountability and action. No child should ever have to fear the very thing that’s supposed to bring them home safely.

As the investigation continues, Brayden’s family and friends hold on to his memory — remembering a young boy who was filled with promise, and whose life was tragically cut short by an avoidable mistake.