Chester County boy dies after being hit by school bus

A 6-year-old Chester County boy, struck by a school bus a week ago, died Tuesday of his injuries, police said Wednesday.

The boy, a first grader at Pickering Valley Elementary School, had been hospitalized in critical condition at the Nemours/Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children in Wilmington since the June 16 accident, police said.

"At this point, this is devastating news. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family," said school principal Joseph Fernandes, referring further comment to a Downingtown Area School District spokeswoman who did not return telephone calls.

Upper Uwchlan Township Police Chief John DeMarco said last week that it appeared the boy darted in front of the bus at 3:50 p.m. near his Chester Springs home. Police and school officials have declined to release the name of the bus driver or the boy.

DeMarco said no other details about the accident would be released until the investigation is completed.

Eganne McGowan, director of passenger transportation for the Exton-based Wolfington Body Co., which provides busing for the Downingtown district, said the company was saddened.

"All of our thoughts and prayers go out to the family," she said.

McGowan said no information would be released on the accident because "it is being handled by the police."

An expression of sympathy posted on the elementary school's website indicated that counseling will be available to students and families on Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Contact staff writer Kathleen Brady Shea at 610-696-3815 or kbrady@phillynews.com.