A tragic crash in Panola County, Mississippi, claimed the life of 17-year-old Katelyn Ray after her car rear-ended a South Panola school bus around 7:15 a.m. Wednesday on Highway 15. She was on her way to pick up her sister from work.
Katelyn’s mother, Shelia Ray, recalled their final conversation as “just a regular exchange”—now a painful memory. When Katelyn didn’t arrive by 7:30 a.m., her sister Courtney grew worried, posting on social media in hopes of finding her.
Not long after, the Mississippi Highway Patrol contacted the family with the devastating news. “The impact was severe,” officials said. Fortunately, no children on the bus were hurt.
Katelyn had only gotten her driver’s license two months earlier. Her aunt, Stephanie Pettit, described her as “vibrant and full of life.” Katelyn was proud of taking GED classes and loved being an aunt.
Her sudden death has left the community heartbroken. The Mississippi Highway Patrol is still investigating the crash, as family, friends, and classmates mourn the loss of a bright young soul.
