The mother of an 8-year-old who was allegedly hit by a car spoke out Thursday about her thoughts on the accident that claimed her daughter's life, the New York Post reported.

Georgia State Police say Adalyn Pierce, an 8-year-old student at Rock Springs Elementary School, was struck and killed by a car while crossing the road to catch a school bus. according to to the New York Post. Adalynn's mother, Ashley Pearce, witnessed the accident. According to Georgia State Police, the driver, 25-year-old Kaylee Andre, is suspected of hitting Adaline while attempting to pass a stopped bus with its red lights flashing and a stop sign extended. be.

The girl was airlifted to Eggleston Children's Hospital in Atlanta, where she died of her injuries the next day, according to the New York Post.

8-year-old girl dies after being hit by school bus; mother forgives driver https://t.co/j3Gz6REHYZ pic.twitter.com/IpAGlZvzt4

— New York Post (@nypost) February 5, 2024

Ashley expressed her forgiveness for Andre. “When the accident happened, she was by my side the whole time. She was the one who called 911 for me, and she kept screaming that she was so sorry, that she was so sorry. “I did it,” Ashley said. 11 alive. “Law enforcement says she was cooperative throughout. It was a mistake. Anyone could make the same mistake.” (Related: Bus carrying high school students collides on highway, 2 killed, at least 5 injured)

Andre was arrested on Saturday and charged with vehicular homicide. The New York Post reported that she alerted officers that her windows had fogged up, blocking her view. According to residents, part of the windshield was frozen at the time of the accident. The suspect made his first court appearance on Monday, and bail was set at $20,000.

In response to the tragedy, a family member started a petition on Change.org titled “Addy's Law,” the New York Post reported. The proposed law aims to make school bus rides safer by preventing children from having to cross the street.