Kindergartner and Mother Tragically Killed by School Bus in Mamaroneck

MAMARONECK, Westchester (WABC) — A kindergartner and his mother were tragically identified Friday after being struck by a school bus while walking to school on Thursday morning. The accident occurred around 8:30 a.m. outside Mamaroneck Avenue School, near New Street. By Friday, the community continued to leave flowers and toys near the crosswalk in remembrance.

Michael Donovan Volpe, 6, was pronounced dead at the scene, and his mother, 43-year-old Molly Murphy Donovan, was taken to the hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The child’s devastated grandfather, Tom Volpe Sr., spoke about his grandson on Friday. “Angel, he was truly an angel, he was the purest love I’ve ever known, and I’m 81 years old. Just the purest love I’ve ever known,” Volpe Sr. said.

He also shared that one of his sons was killed in a car accident 37 years ago, and little Michael was named in his honor. Witnesses described the 6-year-old’s mother yelling for the bus to stop when the crash happened. “The saddest part was just seeing his lunch box, his school bag opened, and all the pencils out. The kid just wanted to have a day at school,” said witness Nick Zamora. “And it was his last day.”

Police said their initial investigation revealed the school bus was traveling eastbound from New Street and turning left onto Mamaroneck Avenue with the green light. As the bus was turning, several parents and children were crossing the street at the crosswalk with the walk sign. The driver, a 68-year-old man, is cooperating, and police say it appears to be a tragic accident. So far, no charges are pending.

It remains unclear why the bus driver did not yield to pedestrians, but parents have been requesting a crossing guard at that location for years. “There’s no excuse,” said Mamaroneck resident Lori Lyons. “No excuse for the village of Mamaroneck to have not had somebody out here for years for this to be going on. This should’ve never happened today.”

The bus was en route to Mamaroneck Avenue School at the time of the crash. Several students and an aide were onboard, but no other injuries were reported. Mental health professionals are assisting parents and children at the school, and a police officer has been closely monitoring the intersection.

The community has started a petition on Change.org calling for a crossing guard, enhanced crosswalk visibility, and reduced speed limits. Police and Village of Mamaroneck officials are partnering with Westchester County to investigate ways to improve pedestrian and traffic safety at the intersection. Relatives mentioned that Molly’s birthday would have been this Sunday.