A 16-year-old student from Clear Lake High School is currently recovering in the hospital after a troubling incident involving a school bus. The young boy was biking home following his school day when he was struck by the bus, which subsequently dragged him for approximately 30 feet. His mother is now advocating for the importance of helmet safety as the community comes together to support him during this challenging time.
The incident occurred on October 16 at around 2:45 PM, outside Clear Lake High School on Bay Area Boulevard, as the bus driver was exiting the school parking lot during afternoon dismissal. The teenager, Jakxon Kessler, was riding his bicycle home, a routine he follows daily, when the unfortunate accident took place.
According to Brandie Kessler, Jakxon’s mother, the bus’s wheel caught him as the driver turned onto the road. The impact caused Jakxon to be dragged alongside the vehicle, resulting in severe injuries. Emergency responders quickly arrived on the scene, and Jakxon was transported to UTMB Health Clear Lake Hospital, where he remains under medical care.
Jakxon sustained several critical injuries, including multiple spinal fractures that necessitated spinal fusion surgery, as well as two broken shoulder blades, a fractured tailbone, a broken toe, and other internal injuries. Additionally, he suffered a partial tear to his right ear, which required surgical repair in the emergency room.
Brandie Kessler expressed her gratitude for her son’s helmet, believing it played a crucial role in saving his life. Upon arriving at the accident site, she found the helmet in pieces, resembling a crushed eggshell. “It was very, very scary to see that,” she remarked, emphasizing the need for helmet safety.
As a result of this incident, Kessler is urging other parents to ensure their children wear helmets whenever they ride bicycles, regardless of age. “They need to have a helmet on,” she insists, underscoring the importance of safety gear in preventing serious injuries.
Jakxon is currently a junior at Clear Lake High School, and the Clear Creek Independent School District has been in touch with his family, expressing hope for his full recovery. The community has rallied around Jakxon, contributing to a fundraiser aimed at assisting with his medical expenses.
The Houston Police Department is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash to gather more information about the incident.
