A 16-year-old high school student has tragically died following a multi-vehicle crash involving a school bus in Florida.
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Adinaluz Prieto Oyola was one of two people killed in the October 5 collision. She was a 10th-grade student at Winter Haven High School.
Oyola was traveling on her school bus at the time of the crash and was looking forward to attending her first cheerleading practice.
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According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office, the crash occurred on Monday at approximately 6:13 a.m. local time in Winter Haven.
The school bus was carrying 39 people, including 37 high school students, the driver and the driver's nine-year-old daughter.
The group was heading to Winter Haven High School when a Chevrolet Malibu traveling in the opposite direction crossed the center line and struck the bus.
The impact caused the bus to collide with a silver Jeep, resulting in a three-vehicle crash.
"It also appears to have ripped the tire off of the school bus," Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd said. "The school bus then crossed over the westbound lane of traffic and hit a silver Jeep head-on."
Following the collision, the school bus overturned into a ditch, while the Jeep caught fire.
Authorities identified the Jeep driver as 26-year-old Deshawn Smith, who also died in the crash.
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Judd confirmed that the Malibu driver has been cooperating with investigators following the collision.
The driver received hospital treatment for her injuries before doctors discharged her.
Authorities believe all three vehicles were traveling within the speed limit at the time of the crash. Investigators also determined that the Malibu driver was not using her cellphone.
Judd told reporters that investigators have so far found no evidence suggesting the Malibu driver committed a criminal offense.
Polk County Public Schools Superintendent Frederick Heid addressed the tragedy during a press conference on Tuesday, October 6, paying an emotional tribute to Oyola.
"An amazing young lady in every account," he said "Teachers loved her. Friends loved her."
"We had the opportunity to return her belongings last night to the parents."
"I can tell you in 14 years of being a superintendent, and having dealt with countless tragedies over the years, that was the most difficult conversation I've ever had with a family," Heid added.
As of Tuesday, three students remained hospitalized, although authorities expected all three to recover from their injuries.
