News Summary
Clark County Schools mourn the loss of two 12-year-old students, Cristofer Suarez and Haylee Ryan, who died from separate traffic incidents near their schools. These tragedies highlight the urgent need for improved traffic safety measures. Parents and officials are calling for action as statistics reveal an alarming increase in accidents involving students. Both families have started fundraisers to cover funeral costs, while community members urge collective efforts to enhance safety for children traveling to school.
Las Vegas, NV – A tragic week for Clark County Schools (CCSD) has resulted in the deaths of two 12-year-old students from separate traffic incidents near their schools. Cristofer Suarez was fatally injured in a hit-and-run accident while walking to J.D. Smith Middle School in North Las Vegas, and Haylee Ryan died following a collision with a school bus while riding her bicycle near Lied Middle School. These incidents have reinvigorated calls for improved traffic safety measures around schools.
On Friday, October 6, 2025, Cristofer was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross East Owens Avenue at North 21st Street. The driver, identified as 27-year-old Oh’Ryan Brooks, fled the scene but was later located and arrested. Reports indicate he showed signs of impairment and admitted to using a THC vape pen shortly before the incident. Cristofer succumbed to his injuries on Monday, October 7, 2025.
In a separate incident that took place shortly before Cristofer’s death, Haylee Ryan was involved in an accident with a full school bus while riding her bicycle. This collision occurred on Monday, October 6, 2025, near Lied Middle School. During the accident, Haylee was propelled into another vehicle and fell to the ground; she passed away the following day. Fortunately, none of the 55 students on the bus or the bus driver sustained any injuries, and preliminary investigations revealed no impairment among the drivers involved.
Both families affected by these tragedies have initiated online fundraisers to assist with the funeral costs for the deceased children. The CCSD Superintendent expressed heartfelt condolences and highlighted the significant potential both children had, which has now tragically been lost. Superintendent Jhone Ebert also shared concerning statistics related to traffic safety. He reported that 84 students have been hit by vehicles while traveling to or from school this year, a significant increase from just 39 such incidents reported during the same period last year.
In light of these alarming statistics, Ebert has called for urgent action to enhance traffic safety around schools and safeguard children on roadways. Metro Police reported that there have been a total of 124 traffic-related deaths in their jurisdiction for the year 2025, further underscoring the growing concern around road safety in the community.
Community members have voiced their fears regarding dangerous roads and have urged collective action to bolster safety measures for pedestrians and cyclists. Ebert’s remarks on the need for improved traffic safety coincide with a broader dialogue on community safety and traffic awareness around children.
The recent events have sent ripples of fear and grief through the community, prompting parents, educators, and officials alike to reflect on the importance of vigilance and precaution when it comes to child safety on the roads. The heart-wrenching incidents of Cristofer and Haylee have served as a wake-up call to consider the measures in place to protect the most vulnerable road users—children walking or riding their bicycles to school.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Wild Burro Overpopulation Causes Safety Concerns in Beatty
Critical Condition for Girl After School Bus Collision
12-Year-Old Boy Critical After Drunk Driving Incident
Las Vegas Investigates Multiple Motorcycle Crashes
Injuries Reported in Mount Rose Highway Rollover Accident
Federal Government Shutdown Affects Nevada Services
Las Vegas Grand Prix Expands Volunteer Marshal Program
Severe Thunderstorms Disrupt Las Vegas with Delays and Power Outages
Clark County Moves Forward with Southern Nevada Supplemental Airport
Las Vegas Launches Tourism Initiatives as Fall Arrives
Additional Resources
- News 3 LV: Alarming Rise in Student Traffic Accidents
- Wikipedia: Traffic Safety
- Las Vegas Sun: CCSD Students’ Tragic Deaths
- Google Search: Clark County traffic safety
- KTNV: Surge in Student Pedestrian Accidents
- Google Scholar: Traffic Accidents in Schools
- News 3 LV: Crosswalk Safety and Bus Driver Qualifications
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Road Safety
- Review Journal: School Bus and Juvenile Pedestrian Crash
- Google News: School Traffic Safety Las Vegas
Author: STAFF HERE LAS VEGAS WRITER
LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER The LAS VEGAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELasVegas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Las Vegas, Clark County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Electric Daisy Carnival, World Series of Poker, and Consumer Electronics Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Three Square Food Bank, plus leading businesses in hospitality and entertainment that power the local economy such as MGM Resorts International, Caesars Entertainment, and Las Vegas Sands. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Nevada's dynamic landscape.
