SOMERSET COUNTY, NEW JERSEY: A heartbreaking incident occurred during a school bus ride in Somerset County, New Jersey, resulting in the death of a disabled six-year-old girl. Fajr Williams died on Monday, July 17, due to an unfortunate accident involving the harness that was used to secure her wheelchair while on the bus.
Reports indicate that 27-year-old Amanda Davila, who was Williams' aide and responsible for looking after her on the bus, was allegedly engrossed with her phone instead of tending to her duties. The tragic sequence of events unfolded as the bus hit bumps in the road, causing the harness securing Williams' wheelchair to tighten around her. This restricted her breathing, and the situation got worse when she slumped forward, ultimately leading to the suffocation of the young girl resulting in her untimely death.
Who was Fajr Williams?
Fajr Williams was a 6 year old girl from New Jersey. She suffered from a rare chromosomal disorder known as Emanuel syndrome, caused by an extra piece of chromosome 22. People with Emanuel syndrome may have a wide range of symptoms and characteristics, as the specific effects can vary from person to person. Common features may include intellectual and developmental disabilities, delayed growth and development, distinctive facial features, heart defects, and other health issues.
'She can’t speak, she can’t defend herself'
Williams' condition left her unable to speak or walk, but she could make noises. According to the police, her aide, Davila was allegedly seated near the front of the bus during the drive and was reportedly using her cell phone, with both earbuds in her ears, instead of attentively supervising the young girl and her wheelchair.
Wali Williams, the girl's father, said he could imagine his daughter struggling to get help. "I am picturing her fighting. She can’t speak, she can’t defend herself. She cannot take the things off her neck," he told WNYTV 7. "I pray that these people weren’t up there lollygagging, playing and joking on their phones while my daughter is back there fighting for her life." He said her daughter "didn't have oxygen in her brain for almost 40 minutes."
Williams' uncle, Ibn Jackson, wrote on Facebook, "This is one of my closest cousins Wali Williams daughter Fajr we have lost her due to someone else's negligence. My prayers go out to him and his wife Najmah. We need everyone's help in getting #justiceforfajr."
Davila has been charged with second-degree manslaughter in connection with William's death. The incident serves as a tragic reminder of the need for responsible supervision and safety protocols on school buses to ensure the well-being of all passengers, especially those with special needs.
