7-year-old boy struck and killed by school bus in Park Forest

PARK FOREST, Ill. - A 7-year-old boy was struck and killed by a school bus Friday afternoon in Park Forest.

Around 3:13 p.m., Park Forest police say the child was struck by a school bus in the 100 block of Walnut Street.

The child was seriously injured and life-saving measures were immediately started by family until police and paramedics arrived, police said.

The child was transported to Franciscan Health Olympia Fields Hospital where he died from his injuries.

The Cook County Medical Examiner identified the boy as Connor Kasmarski of Park Forest.

According to police, the bus involved is owned by Kickert Bus Company and was taking students from Park Forest-Chicago Heights School District 163 at the time of the incident.

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The driver of the bus and witnesses were being interviewed by investigators, police said. It is not yet known if charges will be filed.

"The men and women of the Park Forest Police Department grieves for the child’s family and for the tragic loss of this child’s life," Park Forest police said in a statement.

The school district and police are arranging for counselors to be available both over the weekend and beginning next week to provide services to students and staff.

"We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and our thoughts and prayers will continue to be with the entire family in the difficult days ahead. He was a joy to all of his teachers, kind-hearted, smart and funny; always with a smile on his face. He will be missed greatly by the Mohawk and District 163 students and educators. Our entire school district is saddened by this tragic event," the school district said in a statement.

Anyone with information on the incident is urged to contact investigators at 708-748-1309.