Jen Zettel, and Alison Dirr

Post Crescent

KAUKAUNA - The first day of school ended in tragedy on Tuesday when a 12-year-old boy was struck by a school bus on his way home.

The seventh-grader was walking home from River View Middle School about 3:30 p.m. when he was struck by a Kobussen bus, said Lt. Jamie Graff of the Kaukauna Police Department. He was pronounced dead Tuesday evening.

The boy was crossing Second Street at Crooks Avenue. He was a pedestrian — he did not ride the bus prior to the crash.

"It's a parent's worst nightmare," Graff said.

Tuesday was the first day of the new school year at River View, which serves children in grades 5 through 8. The school is about a quarter-mile away from where the crash took place.

Mark Duerwaechter, superintendent of Kaukauna schools, issued a statement on the district website Tuesday night.

"The Kaukauna Area School District is deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our student, son, grandson, brother and friend, and we extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family and friends," he said. "Our focus right now is on supporting those close to the student, and our trauma team is working diligently to prepare support for students and staff. Counselors, psychologists and social workers will be on hand at each of our schools for as long as needed. Please join me in sending our thoughts and prayers to his family."

Jen Zettel: 920-996-7268, or jzettel@postcrescent.com; on Twitter @jenzettel; Alison Dirr: 920-996-7266 or adirr@gannett.com; on Twitter @AlisonDirr.