A young boy lost his life not far from his home while on the way to school. In the wake of his death, his two aunts have since broken their silence.
Authorities in New Orleans are investigating a crash that claimed the life of six-year-old Mason Richards on April 10, 2025. The incident occurred shortly after 8 a.m. in the 1400 block of Desire Street, located in the Ninth Ward.
Police reported that Mason had just gotten out of his mother’s car and was about to board his school bus when a school bus struck him.
Neighbors shared that the bus stopped farther down the street after striking Mason. One resident recalled seeing Mason’s mother lift him into her arms and carry him back to her car, desperate to get him medical help. Two others stepped in to give CPR until emergency responders arrived.
The bus stop was only about a block from Mason’s home. He was taken to a nearby hospital, but despite efforts to save him, he passed away from his injuries.
Police reported that the bus driver remained at the location after the crash. According to officials, the driver showed no signs of intoxication and passed a field sobriety test.
“There are no charges being filed right now. There is no indication of impairment,” said Officer Reese Harper of the New Orleans Police Department.
The tragedy has left Mason’s family and neighbors overwhelmed with grief, struggling to come to terms with the loss. Loved ones at the scene identified the young victim, a student at KIPP Leadership.
His death has deeply affected those who knew him, and the pain was clear among the relatives gathered that morning. Andrea Haynes, Mason’s aunt, expressed her heartbreak:
“My little nephew is dead. You can’t bring him back. This is a problem!”
The sorrow ran deeper as loved ones shared memories of Mason and the joy he brought into their lives. “He loved his momma, he loved his grandma, his uncle, he loved his paw paw. He loved everybody. He was a good child, a fun child and played every day. He was an awesome, awesome nephew,” Haynes added.
The family’s memories continued to reveal Mason’s deep bond with those closest to him. One relative reflected on social media about the moment they learned of Mason’s passing, describing him as a sweet child with an old soul.
The post acknowledged the difficulty of reading through public comments but urged others to hold back judgment toward Mason’s mother and the bus driver. The family member emphasized that no amount of blame could undo the heartbreaking reality they now face: a young life taken far too soon.
Meanwhile, family friend Pastor Fredrick Sweetwyne, who rushed to the scene, described the loss as one that touched the entire community:
“Having a six-year-old die in the street is very horrific. Our prayers are with this family and we pray God’s blessings upon him.”
Sweetwyne, who often works with families in crisis, said he came over immediately to support Mason’s mother. He noted that she was hysterical and, after speaking with her, shared that he could not begin to imagine the depth of trauma she was experiencing.
KIPP New Orleans Schools issued a statement offering full support to the family and school community. Grief counseling and emotional support are being made available to help them navigate this difficult time.
New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell said the city is mourning the loss of Mason, describing him as a joyful child and a cherished student. She acknowledged the family’s pain and urged the community to work together to keep children safe. She also offered prayers for peace and healing.
Dr. Fateama Fulmore, Superintendent-elect of NOLA Public Schools, called the loss devastating and shared that the entire district stands with Mason’s family. Counseling services are being provided to help students and staff cope.
The investigation is still ongoing. In the days that followed, signs of love and mourning began to appear near the place where Mason’s life was taken.
On April 12, 2025, Rachel Handley, a reporter and producer with WWLTV, shared on X that a memorial had been created at the corner of Desire and North Robertson for Mason.
The photo posted alongside the update shows a touching tribute at the base of a utility pole, surrounded by stuffed animals, fresh bouquets, and a framed picture. Among the soft toys are teddy bears and plush dogs — some wearing bows, others gently leaning against one another.
A decorated sheet, wrapped around the pole and patterned with planets, adds a vibrant contrast to the somber scene. The offerings rest on a patch of grass just steps from the sidewalk, showing the care and sorrow of a community shaken by loss.
While Mason’s memorial continued to grow with heartfelt tributes, another tragedy involving a young child had already shaken a community hundreds of miles away.
Just days before Mason’s passing, four-year-old Calvin Spurlock lost his life in Missouri. The child was riding on a motorcycle with his mother’s boyfriend when they struck a utility pole in St. Peters
The crash happened on Sunday, April 6, 2025, along Westbound Mexico Road near Belleau Creek Road. Both were wearing helmets at the time. Calvin was taken to a hospital, where he later died. The driver was left in critical condition.
The incident has led to growing concerns over custody arrangements and questions about how the child ended up on the motorcycle. Authorities in St. Peters have confirmed that the crash remains under investigation, and as of now, no charges have been filed. It is still unclear whether speed was a factor.
As the investigation into Calvin’s death continues, his grandmother, Janet Bond, voiced her anger, saying she is “livid” he was allowed on the motorcycle. “It makes me very angry,” she added, noting Calvin had previously been in another crash with the same man.
After that earlier incident, a judge ruled Calvin could only ride with someone holding a valid license, though it remains unclear if this time the driver had one. Police have not released his name.
Calvin lived with his mother, Haley Perez, while his father, James Spurlock, was seeking joint custody. Bond shared online that two people stayed with Calvin after the crash, offering him comfort until help arrived.
The little boy, who attended the Goddard School and would have turned five in August, was honored during a vigil held on April 11, at Fort Zumwalt South High School.
The heartbreaking deaths of Mason and Calvin have left two communities grieving and searching for answers. Both incidents highlight the importance of child safety and the painful consequences when tragedy strikes without warning.
As families mourn, they are also calling for understanding, accountability, and compassion. In honoring these young lives, their stories serve as powerful reminders of how precious and fragile life truly is.
