LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — The Las Vegas Valley community gathered in honor of a 12-year-old girl who was struck and killed by a school bus.
Haylee Ryan, a name many across the Las Vegas community have learned following the tragic accident.
A large crowd culminated at Lied Middle School Saturday night, paying respects to those mourning Haylee’s death. From friends to family and even strangers, they came together.
There was no shortage of pictures of the 12-year-old, as well as masks people were encouraged to decorate as a nod to Haylee’s creativity.
The group was provided with candles to hold as they shared stories and memories about Haylee. Here are just some of the stories shared on Saturday.
“She actually drew two pictures, and I have them right by my desk. She drew them of me. I remember telling her, ‘Haylee, that doesn’t look like me,’ and she said, ‘That’s how I see you.’”
“She’d always make the school day fun. She always makes me feel better when I felt sad or mad about something.”
“I also learned that she wanted to be an artist when she grew up. If I ever met her, which I never got the chance to, we would have been great friends.”
FOX 5 heard from Haylee’s mom, Meghan Ryan, on Tuesday after the news of her daughter’s death.
Meghan emphasized how important community is during a tragedy like this.
A point clearly made by the number of people who attended Saturday night to honor Haylee.
“She has struck that strength and fire in all of us to have hope and to know that whoever may be going through this or did go through it that they’re not alone and that we can come together like this and honor that sweet girl.”
“I wish as much happiness as I can to her family through the hard times you’re going through right now. Everyone else who knows her, I’m sorry. It will get better but it will take time.”
Copyright 2025 KVVU. All rights reserved.
