Schools
Commack Schools Mourn Loss of Beloved Bus Driver
Wayne Wickard died Monday while on his way to make his morning rounds.
Students and parents described Wayne Wickard, who died after being struck by a car while walking to work Monday morning, as a kind man who always had a smile on his face to greet his young riders.
Parents and students said that Wickard was always on time and made their children feel safe on their way to school.
"We are deeply saddened by the untimely passing of Bauman Bus driver Wayne Wickard, and offer our sincere sympathies to his family. Mr. Wickard was loved and respected by the students he transported to and from Commack High School and Sawmill Intermediate School," school officials said in a district statement.
Wickard, 69, was crossing Veterans Memorial Highway when he was struck by a 1998 Dodge Neon at the intersection of 5th Avenue at approximately 6:05 a.m. Monday. He was pronounced dead at the scene by a physician assistant from the Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner.
"Wayne was also a valued member of the Commack community. Given the sensitivity of this loss, our school counselors, social workers, and psychologists will be reaching out to the parents of our students assigned to his bus routes, and our support team will provide counseling as needed," the district's statement said.Find out what's happening in Commackwith free, real-time updates from Patch.
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