ROCKLAND, Maine — Heartbreak and outrage are rippling through the Rockland community after 12-year-old Brayden Callahan died Friday afternoon when he was run over by the school bus that had just dropped him off. The fatal incident occurred around 2:20 p.m. at the intersection of Broadway and Eliza Steele Drive, leaving parents devastated and demanding answers after years of concerns about the same bus driver.
Brayden, a student at Oceanside Middle School in Thomaston, was identified by family and community members. His grandmother shared that those closest to him lovingly called him “Bray.” According to the mother of one of his classmates, the child was struck by both sets of rear tires, though investigators have yet to clarify how the tragedy unfolded or whether the driver was at fault. Police have not confirmed if charges are being considered, and the driver has not been publicly identified.
Emergency responders arrived quickly and found Brayden suffering from life-threatening injuries. He was airlifted to Maine Medical Center, where doctors discovered severe internal bleeding, a shattered pelvis, and multiple broken bones. Brayden’s mother, Kelly Morse, was told her son would likely face permanent disabilities if he survived. Despite intensive medical efforts, the 12-year-old passed away, leaving his family and community shattered. RSU 13 confirmed the incident in a statement, adding that counselors would be available to support grieving students and staff.
Neighbors and parents say this tragedy did not come without warnings. Several community members told local outlets they had repeatedly complained about the bus driver’s behavior over the years. “We’ve all been trying to get him out of here,” said one parent. “This could have been avoided.” Another neighbor described the situation as “negligent at the very least,” adding that the entire neighborhood is devastated. Police have acknowledged the community concerns but have not released further details about the driver’s history or whether it will factor into the ongoing investigation.
As word of Brayden’s death spread, an outpouring of grief filled the intersection where the crash occurred. Community members built a memorial of flowers, toys, stuffed animals, and handwritten messages honoring a boy remembered as bright, loving, and wise beyond his years. “He loved his family as much as we loved him,” one family friend said, struggling to understand how such a tragedy could happen “with all the safety features these buses have.”
A GoFundMe page has been created to support Brayden’s funeral expenses as investigators continue to examine how the incident occurred. RSU 13 urged parents with concerns to contact Superintendent John McDonald at 207-596-6620. For now, Rockland is left grieving a child gone far too soon and demanding accountability as the search for answers continues.
