Community Rallies To Help Students Hurt In Southbury Bus Accident

After students suffered serious injuries in a school bus crash in Southbury this month, the community has been banding together to help raise money to support their recovery.

The Region 14 school bus was involved in a crash around 2:38 p.m. on Feb. 11. Two students were ejected from the bus, and several other occupants were also injured, according to police.

Nonnewaug High School students from Prospect and Beacon Falls were on the bus at the time, according to district administration.

In one GoFundMe campaign, “Help Support Kayla and Her Family,” organizer Aimee Chase of Prospect is trying to raise $20,000. The beneficiary is listed as the student’s mother, Denise Warme.

As of Wednesday, the campaign had raised $18,135 via 282 donations.

According to the campaign, Kayla was in a “horrific bus accident” on her way home from school Feb. 11, and she was “thrown out of the back of the bus.” It says she suffered head wounds and back injuries.

“Everyone has been asking how to help the family,” the campaign says. “Her mom will need to be by her side taking care of her right now. I was hoping we can all come together to help ease the worry of how the bills will be paid. This is a true nightmare for all of us. Thank you for all the love and support.”

In another GoFundMe campaign, “Help Addison Get Back on Her Horse,” campaign organizer Melissa Dorazio of Prospect is raising money for the family of Addison Tournas, who was also injured in the school bus accident. The beneficiary is Caitlin Tournas, Addison’s mother.

“Our community shows up when it matters most — and right now, it’s time to show up for Addison and the Tournas family,” the campaign says.

According to the campaign, Addison’s recovery will include surgery, medical care, doctor appointments and rehabilitation. She needs to regain her strength to “get back on her horse where she belongs!” the campaign says.

“Together, we can help Addison heal, rebuild, and get back to doing what she loves,” the campaign says.

As of Wednesday, this campaign had raised $4,840 of its $5,500 goal, via 44 donations.

Police said they have charged the driver who hit the bus, Richard Estey, 65, of Southbury, with driving under the influence and failure to obey a traffic control signal.

Read more:

Region 14 Students Seriously Injured In Bus Crash In Southbury: Police