CLERMONT, Fla. – A 17-year-old senior at Lake Minneola High School died Monday morning after he was struck by a school bus while riding a bicycle at the entrance to the school, officials said.
Lake County Schools said Sherman Vannoy died in the crash, which happened around 6:50 a.m. on Hancock Road at Fox Trail Avenue.
The Florida Highway Patrol said the school bus, driven by a 78-year-old Leesburg woman, collided with Vannoy, who was riding a bike.
According to an FHP crash report, Vannoy was riding his bike on a sidewalk when he traveled onto a marked crosswalk at the intersection. At the same time, the school bus attempted to turn to enter Lake Minneola High School. The front of the bus hit Vannoy and continued off the road, hitting a stop sign and fence, troopers said.
Vannoy was taken to South Lake Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, troopers said.
The bus driver, hired in November 2021, was not injured and remained at the scene, according to the FHP.
“She is distraught, as you might imagine she would be,” said Sherri Owens, communications coordinator with Lake County Schools.
Owens said the bus had one student on board.
Lake County Schools issued a statement about the crash, saying it was a difficult day.
“One of our school buses was involved in a tragic, fatal accident at the entrance of Lake Minneola High School,” the statement said. “We are in touch with the (teen victim’s) family and are offering our support.
The school district said grief counselors will be at Lake Minneola High School this week for any students or faculty members who may need their services.
District officials said Lake Minneola High will honor Vannoy at its Monday night football game at East Ridge. Vannoy was not a member of the football team, officials said.
All on-campus sporting practices and a volleyball game scheduled for Monday night at Lake Minneola High have been canceled.
An investigation is ongoing.