According to the Mississippi Highway Patrol, the impact of the collision resulted in Katelyn Ray’s car forcefully colliding with the rear of the school bus. The timeline of events intensified the family’s worry, particularly when Katelyn failed to arrive at her sister’s workplace by 7:30 a.m. Courtney Pettit, the victim’s sister, shared the mounting anxiety, wondering about Katelyn’s whereabouts during those crucial moments.
Faced with uncertainty, Courtney Pettit turned to social media, making a poignant Facebook post seeking any information about her missing sister. It was during this desperate search that the family received the heart-wrenching news of the tragedy that unfolded on the highways of Panola County.
Stephanie Pettit, Katelyn’s aunt, expressed the family’s anguish, acknowledging the difficulty of imagining the circumstances that led to the crash. Katelyn, a proud aunt herself, was actively pursuing GED classes at the WIN Job Center, showcasing her vibrant and outgoing personality.

