Tragedy struck in Orlando, Florida, when a 9-year-old boy was killed after crawling under a school bus. The boy, identified as Elyas Marshall Rodriguez, had just gotten off the bus near his home when the incident occurred. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, Elyas "ran back" to the bus and "crawled underneath" it, and was then hit by the bus while he was underneath it. The Orange County Medical Examiner's Office ruled the death an accident caused by cranial-cerebral trauma.

The circumstances surrounding why Elyas crawled under the bus remain unclear and are currently under investigation. The bus driver, who has not been publicly identified, stayed at the scene and has been cooperating with authorities. Elyas's family described him as a cancer survivor, having been diagnosed with leukemia at the age of 2 and going through extensive treatment, including chemotherapy. He had recently gotten his chemotherapy port taken out and was in remission.

Elyas was known for his love of sports, particularly football and basketball, and had dreams of becoming a professional athlete. His cousin, Trenae Gayle, described him as a compassionate and bubbly person who loved being around people. The tragic accident has left his family devastated, and a GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support them, raising over $20,000 so far.

The superintendent of Elyas's school district, Dr. Maria F. Vazquez, expressed deep sadness over his death and offered condolences to his family and the school community. Counselors will be available for students and staff, and the school district is fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation.

Witnesses reported that Elyas had dropped his football under the bus and went to retrieve it before the bus started moving again. His aunt shared on a fundraising page that Elyas was a resilient and energetic boy who had overcome so much in his young life. She described his loss as unbearable and undeserving, leaving his mother to care for his two siblings.

The Florida Highway Patrol stated that the incident is still an active traffic homicide investigation. The bus driver, a 54-year-old with 10 years of experience, is being interviewed, and footage from the bus and nearby surveillance cameras is being reviewed. The bus has been towed away to check for possible mechanical issues.

The community has been deeply affected by the tragedy, with neighbors and friends expressing their shock and grief. One mother, Kenia Joachim, revealed that her 7-year-old son was best friends with Elyas and that they would often play together. She described the situation as “crazy” and said her son was shaken by the news.

As the investigation continues, the focus remains on supporting Elyas's family and the school community during this difficult time. The loss of such a young and vibrant life has left a lasting impact on those who knew him, and his memory will be cherished.