Girl who jumped from school bus dies in hospital

HOUSTON – The 13-year-old girl who jumped out of a moving school bus earlier this week has died at the hospital, according to the Galveston County Medical Examiner's Office.

We're told the girl, who suffered severe head trauma, passed away Wednesday at the University of Texas Medical Branch Galveston. She has not been identified.

The bus was traveling south on Interstate 45 South between 3:30 and 4 p.m. Monday when an alarm sounded when the girl tried to make the jump.

"The emergency back door on the bus, she opened it and jumped out," Galveston County Sheriff Henry Trochesset said.

The bus was going about 55 mph at the time and the student landed on the concrete.

"Several individuals had to stop and swerve around to prevent from striking her," Trochesset said "We received numerous calls from people about the incident."

It appears the student had been arguing with another student right before the incident and the bus driver intervened.

"The bus driver pulled out, separated the two young ladies," Trochesset said."One in the front of the bus and one in the back of the bus. He continued toward Galveston."

Investigators said it appears the student jumped intentionally and the incident remains under investigation.

The Galveston Independent School District released a statement Thursday that read, 

"We are extremely disheartened by the passing of one of our students, and we extend our thoughts and condolences to her family, friends, and teachers during this incredibly difficult period.

Superintendent Larry Nichols offers his support and the aid of our counselors.

"It is my sincere hope that you will join me in keeping her family and all of our students in your thoughts and prayers during this heartbreaking time,” he said. “I urge students to reach out to one of our counselors deployed throughout the district to help with the grieving process." 

Additional counselors have been positioned at numerous campuses to assist during this period of bereavement.

We will cherish our memories of this special student and hold them in our hearts."