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8-year-old hit, killed by car while walking to school bus with mother

The incident happened near the intersection of Rays Road and Central Drive.

A pink little jacket and tennis shoes are being collected as evidence in a fatal car accident that left 8-year-old Tluang Tha Men dead.

Police said she was in her mother's arms as they crossed the street to catch the school bus Friday morning when they were hit by a driver at the intersection of Rays Road and Central Drive.

“Right now we do believe the bus had its emergency equipment on for those people to cross the roadway,” a police spokesperson said.

Detectives said the driver of a red sedan is 38-year-old Ejigayheu H. Tsegaye.

“She did have the green light at this time but the bus was stopped,” DeKalb County police spokesperson Lonzy Roberts said. “The pedestrians attempted to cross the roadway and her vehicle did strike two pedestrians.”

Officials said 8-year-old Tluang Tha suffered a severe head injury and died a few hours later. Her mother hurt her hip.

Police said the driver remained at the scene. Her family rushed to the intersection, too, coming to her defense about whether she disregarded the buses signals.

“When the bus come up this way, my sister come this way,” Ergicho Air-Geceho said. “I don't think she crossed it, I don't think.”

Charges are still pending against Tsegaye.

DeKalb County school officials have confirmed that grief counselors have stopped by each class and were available to students and staff throughout the day helping them deal with the loss of their classmate.

Superintendent Stephen Green also released the following statement in regard to the child's death:

“We are saddened to learn that one of our children, Tluang Tha Men, tragically passed away today. We stand united with the family and school community during this most dark of moments. We will support the students and staff with counselors and other resources. And, as always, we will keep the family in our thoughts and prayers.”

PHOTOS | 8-year-old and mother hit by car

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