ATLANTA — The grieving family of a young girl who tragically lost her life after being hit by a car while attempting to board her school bus is channeling their pain into a mission.
Adalynn Pierce, 8 years old, died from her injuries following the Henry County crash.
Sheriff Garry Long described her as an angel sent to earth who touched the lives of many.
"Even in her passing, she's still impacting lives," Long expressed fondly.
Her family is spearheading a campaign to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future. A relative of Adalynn and State Senator Rick Williams discussed their efforts to enact change.
Williams introduced "Addy's Law" in the State Legislature Thursday, named in memory of the young girl.
"Addy's Law" proposes a crucial safety measure, requiring school bus stops to be positioned on the same side of the road as the school bus door. Williams emphasized the importance of preventing such accidents.
"If we can prevent this from happening in the future, then we can make a difference," Williams said.
The family's online petition has gained momentum, garnering support for the proposed legislation. Reflecting on the impact of Adalynn's legacy, Long believes her spirit continues to inspire positive change.
"I think God used her while she was here, and he continues to use her," Long said.
As the community mourns the loss of Adalynn, her family's advocacy serves as a beacon of hope for safer school bus transportation for children across the state.
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