WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — Winston-Salem Police said a Parkland High School student who died after jumping off a moving school bus wasn't the only student who jumped from the vehicle.
The incident happened near Alder and Waughtown Streets on November 20. Police got a call about unknown trouble shortly after 5:30 p.m. that day. Officers found 17-year-old Alex Wilson in the roadway after they said he'd jumped from a moving bus. Wilson died from serious injuries one week later.
Police have now confirmed four other students also jumped off the back of the bus.
It isn't clear why the students jumped from the bus, but the Forsyth County District Attorney's Office said no charges will be filed in connection with the incident after reviewing school bus video.
Wilson's sister said there will be a balloon release on Friday at 5 p.m., at the park on Alder Street.
The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools released a statement regarding the initial incident on Nov. 20. It reads in full:
On Monday, November 20, 2023, WS/FCS was made aware that a student from Parkland High School jumped out of the emergency exit door on the back of a school bus as the bus was making its routine, afternoon stops. The student has suffered significant injuries.
“This is a heartbreaking situation,” said WS/FCS Superintendent Tricia McManus. “Our thoughts and prayers are with our student and the family. School administrators are supporting the family in every way possible. Our crisis team has been available on campus today to talk with the student’s peers and all those impacted by what happened yesterday. We know this event has been traumatizing for the student, the family, for the students on board the bus, and for the bus driver.”
While the investigation is ongoing, district leaders say they will continue working with the Winston-Salem Police Department and the transportation team to understand more about what happened.
MORE WAYS TO GET WFMY NEWS 2
Subscribe to our daily newsletter Let’s Get 2 It!
Download the WFMY News 2 APP from your Apple or Google Play store.
ADD THE WFMY+ APP TO YOUR FAVORITE STREAMING DEVICE
ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching for WFMY.
Amazon Fire TV: Search for WFMY to find the free app to add to your account. You can also add the app directly to your Fire TV through your Amazon account.
SUBSCRIBE to us on YouTube | https://bit.ly/2vsX74I
Follow us on social media:
Facebook | https://bit.ly/3326pAY
Twitter | https://bit.ly/2vIPZkT
Instagram | https://bit.ly/39Ghs5a
Download the WFMY News 2 app on your smartphone:
►Text the word APP to 336-379-5775
►For the iPhone | https://apple.co/3aaH6iM
►For the Android | https://bit.ly/3aea9Sv
