A tragic incident occurred in New Jersey this week, resulting in the death of a 6-year-old girl with special needs. Fajr Atiya Williams, of Franklin Township, was being transported to Claremont Elementary School in Franklin Park when the incident took place. The child, who suffered from a rare chromosome disorder called Emanuel syndrome, was secured in her wheelchair by the bus monitor, Amanda Davila.

According to authorities, during the bus ride, the vehicle hit a series of bumps on the road, causing Fajr to slump in her wheelchair. As a result, the 4-point harness securing her to the chair tightened around her neck, restricting her airway. Tragically, Davila, who was seated near the front of the bus, failed to notice the distress Fajr was experiencing.

Davila's negligence was further compounded by her use of a cellphone and earbud headphones during her duty as a monitor. This violation of policies and procedures prevented her from being fully attentive to the child's well-being. The Franklin Township Police Department received a call about an unresponsive juvenile around 9 a.m. on Monday and promptly responded to the scene. Despite their attempts to revive Fajr through CPR, she was pronounced dead at a local hospital's intensive care unit.

Following the investigation into the incident, Davila was arrested on Wednesday and charged with second-degree manslaughter and second-degree endangering the welfare of a child. She is currently being held in Somerset County Jail awaiting a detention hearing. It is unclear at this time whether she has retained an attorney to represent her.

The devastating loss of Fajr has left her family heartbroken. Her mother, Namjah Nash Williams, described her as the sweetest child with an infectious laugh and adorable dimples. Despite her condition, Fajr was able to make sounds and had a voice. Her parents are determined to ensure that such a tragedy never occurs again, vowing to take action to prevent similar incidents in the future.

The school officials declined to comment on the ongoing investigation, citing the need to respect the legal process. Montauk Transit LLC, the company operating the bus, expressed their devastation over the incident and offered their condolences to the family. They emphasized that the safety of the children they transport is their top priority and that they fully support the law enforcement investigation and any appropriate punishment for Davila.

As the investigation continues, authorities are awaiting findings from the New Jersey Northern Regional Medical Examiner's Office to determine the exact cause of Fajr's death. The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the importance of strict adherence to safety protocols and the need for constant vigilance when caring for children with special needs.