West Jones High School Student Killed in Collision with School Bus
SOSO, MS — Cade Thompson, 18, a senior football player at West Jones High School, was killed Wednesday morning when his truck collided with a stopped school bus on U.S. 84.
The accident occurred near Roy Jefcoat Road shortly before 8 a.m., according to the Mississippi Highway Patrol. Thompson was driving a 2015 Chevrolet Silverado heading east when he struck the rear of the bus, which was stopped and had nine occupants on board; no injuries were reported among the passengers.
Thompson was pronounced dead at the scene, as stated by Justin Elkins of the Mississippi Highway Patrol. The Jones County Sheriff's Department and other first responders assisted at the scene.
West Jones High School Principal Cooper Pope expressed the community's grief, stating, “It's very hard to lose a child like that. They're not supposed to leave us that soon.” Football rival Northeast Jones High School honored Thompson by displaying his photo and jersey number, 56, on the stadium scoreboard.
Churches in the area quickly mobilized to offer support, with youth ministers providing prayers for students and staff.
The investigation into the accident is ongoing, with no further details released at this time.