PEACE RIVER, Alta. – A school bus driver who was killed in a head-on crash in northwestern Alberta has been identified.
The Peace River School Division says in a statement that Dellis Partridge was friendly, positive and caring.
The head-on crash happened north of Grimshaw on Monday morning as the bus was taking 14 students to classes at elementary and high schools in the Peace River area.
READ MORE: School bus driver killed, several students injured in crash in northern Alberta
The division says six students had minor injuries, seven had more serious injuries and one was flown to Edmonton and is in intensive care in stable condition.
Partridge’s family is thanking everyone who gave them support and is sending their thoughts and prayers to the children on the bus that day, as well as the driver of the truck involved in the crash.
The family says in a statement they had no idea Partridge had touched so many lives.
One student shared: “he always greeted me with a friendly conversation, drove us to school safely and was a very honest and kind man.” Another said he “was a very good driver, picked up on names quickly and followed the guidelines like all bus drivers do.” Students shared with the school board that Mr. Partridge “respected the students and the students respected him the same.”
“We are a very close knit community and our schools are families,” said PRSD Superintendent Paul Bennett. “Together with Holy Family School Division, we are incredibly grateful for the outpouring of prayers, love and support for all who are grieving.
“Counsellors have and continue to be on site to support our students, bus drivers, school based staff, parents and families,” he added. “In addition to the services and supports that are provided internally, communities, agencies and neighbouring school divisions have been reaching out, offering support and we are very appreciative.”
With files from Global News
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