Like many eight-year-olds, Harmoney Harper was excited about the start of the new school year at Oaklawn Elementary in Wichita, Kansas, last August.
Although her first day was great, Harmoney did not make it to the second day. Needless to say, her family and the local community are devastated.
On Wednesday, August 16, Harmoney was waiting outside with her brother for the school bus when she was struck by another school bus.
First responders quickly arrived, but she did not respond and eventually passed away despite resuscitation efforts.
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Hit by a school bus
This heartbreaking incident occurred around 07:20, and it is still unclear how many students were on the bus during the accident. Authorities have confirmed that there are no other injuries.
Jasper Harper, Harmoney’s father, shared the terrible sequence of events: “My wife said she heard my son screaming for his sister, and she came out. I woke up to her saying, ‘I need you now.’ I got dressed. Before I got to the front door, I heard, ‘Call 911, my daughter is dead. She was playing outside of our house where she felt safe.”
“God, oh God, my baby”
Neighbors became aware of the tragedy through Harmoney’s mother shouting, “Oh my God, oh my God, my baby,” something no parent should ever have to say. A neighbor recalled, “I wish I could hug the mother right now. I wish she knew there are a lot of people here tonight praying for her.”
Another neighbor expressed sympathy for Harmoney’s family and the bus driver, saying, “I can only imagine how the bus driver feels. To hear the mother scream ‘oh my god, oh my god,’ that broke my heart.” Police officials have stated that they do not intend to file charges in connection with the incident.
After the tragic loss of their daughter, Harmoney’s family has started a GoFundMe account to help with funeral costs. The campaign description reads: “If you are not able to make a donation, please leave prayers and encouraging words for this family.” At the time of writing, the page had collected over $30,000 in donations.
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Personal testimony of the community
In the days following the girl’s passing, members of the community in Wichita, Kansas have shared their personal experiences with Harmoney. Oaklawn Elementary School Principal Donna Osborn praised Harmoney and described her as “full of compliments for everyone around her.”
She continued, “Every time you saw her, she had a smile on her face and she was always the first to give everyone a hug every day. Her passing is a huge loss, and Harmoney will be greatly missed at Oaklawn.”
School Superintendent Heather Bohaty also expressed her sadness over the young girl’s passing.
“We are devastated by the loss of one of our students,” she noted, adding that “students and staff will be supported by additional social workers from schools throughout the district” as they grieve.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Harmoney’s family and friends at this tragic time. Rest in peace, dear Harmoney.
