North Stonington sixth-grader dies after bus collision

A sixth-grade student, Torren O’Grady, 11, was riding his bike behind a North Stonington Elementary School bus when the bus turned left and struck him, running him over and causing fatal injuries. The crash occurred around 8:27–8:30 a.m. at the intersection of Old Colony Road and Pinecrest Road; the bus driver, a 76-year-old man from Pawcatuck, was not injured. Connecticut State Police are investigating and say all parties are cooperating, while the North Stonington School District is providing ongoing support, including counselors and emotional support animals, and has arranged early student releases and resources for families. District and community leaders have urged compassion and emphasized safety as the new school year begins, with officials coordinating with police and mental health services. Community members and clergy have offered condolences and support for responders and the broader North Stonington community as they cope with the tragedy, and local officials stress ongoing access to grief resources.