The death of 5-year-old Keshawn Odum, a student at Lanier Primary School killed by a teen driver while getting off the school bus on Thursday, has left the Bryan County community in mourning. The latest in a devastating string of Georgia youth pedestrian deaths, parents and investigators are now seeking justice and safer streets for our children.
According to Georgia State Patrol, Keshawn Odum was exiting his school bus around 4:30pm Thursday when he was struck by a pickup truck headed in the opposite direction. Though the school bus was completely stopped with cautionary lights and signals working, the young pickup truck driver failed to stop, reporting to police that he "did not see the lights flashing."
Keshawn Odum was rushed to the Memorial University Medical Center in Savannah for severe head trauma where he succumbed to critical injuries just after 5am on Friday morning.
The tragedy has shaken Bryan County parents, students and neighbors. Patricia Fleming, who has a granddaughter in Mr. Odum's class, told WTOC News, "I'm concerned about the high school students when they get out of school and start speeding."
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reports, "Mile for mile, teenagers are involved in three times as many fatal crashes as all other drivers."
The Murray Law Firm has been investigating a recent string of Georgia youth pedestrian fatalities and is investigating whether speed or distraction were factors in this incident. If the driver of the Ford pickup truck is found to be at fault, the family of Keshawn Odum may elect to seek justice for his wrongful death. Such a claim could be worth a substantial sum and would send a much needed message to both teen and adult drivers alike on the importance of safe driving, particularly around school buses, schools, and residential neighborhoods where children may be present. The family should file a claim as soon as practicable to ensure all evidence relating to the accident is properly preserved and their best interests are protected.
Our prayers are with the family of young Keshawn Odum and we offer our legal assistance, if needed. Anyone seeking further information is encouraged to contact The Murray Law Firm toll free at 888.842.1616.
