In a heartbreaking incident, the community is mourning the loss of 9-year-old Elyas Amyr Marshall-Rodriguez, a leukemia survivor, who tragically lost his life while retrieving a football under an Orange County school bus earlier this week. The devastating accident has left over a hundred people coming together for a candlelight vigil to remember the vibrant young boy.
Witnesses recounted that after disembarking from the bus on Tuesday afternoon, Elyas dropped his football and crawled under the bus to retrieve it when the vehicle unexpectedly started moving. This unfortunate event took the life of a child who had already faced and overcome the challenges of leukemia, having been in remission since his diagnosis at the age of two.
Speaking at the vigil, Elyas's cousin, Trenae Gayle, fondly remembered him as "the life of the party" with a deep passion for sports, particularly football, basketball, and various other athletic activities.
Principal Erin Willis of Lawton Chiles Elementary, where Elyas attended school, expressed the collective grief of the community in a statement on social media. "Our thoughts and prayers are with the family as they go through this extremely difficult time," said Willis. "We will have grief counselors on campus for as long as we need them for any student or staff member who needs to speak with someone. Please keep our students and staff in your thoughts at this very difficult time. Thank you for your support."
The Florida Highway Patrol is currently investigating the tragic accident, and the community awaits further details. As we reflect on the life of Elyas Amyr Marshall-Rodriguez, let us remember the strength he displayed in overcoming leukemia and cherish the memories of a spirited young soul gone too soon.
