Reinaldo Gonzalez Killed Frances Margay Schee
September 24, 2008 by Morbid
MARION COUNTY, Fla. - Frances Schee, 13, was one of 21 students riding a school bus home from North Marion Middle School. While the bus was stopped at a stop sign on US-301 with its flashers on, Reinaldo Gonzalez, 30, rammed his semi into the back of the bus without stopping pushing the bus over 200 feet. Once everything had stopped, both vehicles caught on fire.
Twenty students were able to get out, including the driver, half due to the help of 4 passing motorists who went into the burning bus to rescue the kids.
But one student did not make it out. ThirteenThirteen reviews
-year-old Francis Schee was pinned in the bus and rescuers were unable to free her. She was burned alive.  Gonzalez has now admitted that he never saw the bus had stopped and had been talking on his cell phone.
It’s amazing more didn’t die from this crash. Eight students went to the hospital, six have been released and two remain in the hospital. The bus driver was hospitalized with back, neck and knee injuries and Gonzalez was hospitalized with head injuries.
This girl is the same age as my son, who also rides a school bus to and from school. This story, like all stories I hear in regards to school bus accidents, kills me and I just cannot imagine what her family is going through right now, especially when it was over something that was so preventable.
I would like to personally commend the bystanders who risked their lives to go into that bus and help get the kids out. They state they do not consider themselves heroes and I am fine with that, but your actions were commendable. I know that it is probably killing the people that tried to rescue Francis, and I am sure that for those rescuers, the nightmares are sure to come.
“The kid was lodged and I just couldn’t get her out,” said Chris Mann, an elevator installer who stopped to help when he saw the accident. “There was nothing I could do.”
I hope that he knows that this is true. That there really was nothing more he could have done. I cannot imagine the feeling he must have felt to stand outside of that bus engulfed in flames, knowing a 13-year-old girl was still inside it.
If anyone feels the need to donate to a fund for the Schee family, or any student in the crash, call Julie Shealy, the district’s executive director of school development and evaluation, at 352-671-4167 and be sure to specify to whom you would like the donation made.
Frances Schee was killed by a cell-phone using jackasses I have to deal with on a daily basis. You know why people hate talking to me when I am driving? Because I am not paying attention to them. It seems to me, at least in my experience, that the majority of these mouth-breathers just cannot grasp the ability to do simple things in a vehicle like merging into traffic, using a turn signal, getting off my ass, etc…now I have to deal with them on cell phones. It would please me greatly to see it becomes illegal everywhere to use a cell phone while driving. Some of you are, and I mean this in all honesty, just too fucking stupid.
6:06 pm on September 24th, 2008
Can you hook it up with a zip code? Those of us across the country who may be prone to donating may not get too far without one. Thanks, sir.
6:10 pm on September 24th, 2008
Being burned alive has got to be the worst way to go… Wow, hard to imagine.
Morbid – I am like you in regards to what you said about cell phone usage while driving. I may talk quickly to whomever calls me, but 90% of my attention remains on the road – and I often say “let’s talk later…”
Although overall, it is very lucky that more kids didn’t die, how horrible that Frances didn’t make it. A situation no-one could have predicted. Just a horrible set up circumstances that unfolded for her…
It pisses me off to no end that there are so many careless people out there driving and yapping on their phones…
7:14 pm on September 24th, 2008
This is my first post, I am an avid reader of the Demon and strangely was only now compelled to speak up!
Cell phone usage whilst driving is illegal in Australia (where I am) and although I see the law disregarded daily, at least there is a large monetary fine (and it’s the kids that are the worst, so there goes their pocket money!) plus demerit points applied to their license if caught – it’s just catching the assholes that seems to be the problem!
7:18 pm on September 24th, 2008
I just got an email today, you know the type that shows all kinds of funny and true bumper stickers. One read, “Guns Don’t Kill People, Drivers With CELLPHONES Do”.
I just can’t imagine how this family is feeling. Or the people who tried to help. Oh, this poor little darling girl, my heart has broken…
8:42 pm on September 24th, 2008
well i live in citra and the zip is 32113 and go to nmhs and my cousin was on that bus and now has a concussion.
(thanks to the idiot that was on the cell) you took a young ones life innocent as can be and injured some of my friends. as well as my cousin.
9:01 pm on September 24th, 2008
I forget who first pointed out that the Gonzalezes seem to be in the news alot doing asshole things — and here’s another Gonzalez.
I hate people who use their cell phones while driving. There is no reason to use one while driving. Driving is a responsibility and it requires attention. That poor girl died the most horrible death that I can imagine and Mr. Cell Phone User survived. There is no justice in this world.
9:27 pm on September 24th, 2008
Really common surname. On a whim, I just did a D’D search for “Smith” and “Johnson.” Lots of them, too.
10:19 pm on September 24th, 2008
Oh wow this story breaks my heart, and it’s making my skin crawl. For some reason being trapped in a fire is one of my biggest fears, so this story gives me chills. That poor, poor, girl, and the guy who couldn’t get to her is probably going to have nightmares the rest of his life, not to mention be guilt ridden that he couldn’t get her out. Such a pointless waste of a young girls life. All the more reason people need to focus on the road and not cell phones! I wonder if any kind of charges could be filed? There has to be some sort of justice out of this.
I have a friend who will not stop texting while driving or just worrying about her phone in general. It caused a huge fight between us driving to Florida from KY because she just doesn’t get it. It’s pretty scary driving through the mountains in Chatanooga late at night w/ the car swerving because the driver can’t stop freakin’ texting! Cell phones and driving don’t mix period! I wish story’s like this would get it through her head, but of course she thinks something like this would never happen to her. I’m sure the guy driving in this case did too.
10:32 pm on September 24th, 2008
My daughter will be 13 in April and this is one of my worst nightmares. I’m so sorry for the family’s loss and for all of her friends’ loss too. Every day I pass people driving erratically and say to myself, “I bet they’re on a cell!” Yep. I would totally support legislation to ban cells while driving. Maybe they can call it Frances’ Law.
10:34 pm on September 24th, 2008
There has been a couple of “Justin’s” that are baby killers also. That’s my son’s name so I’m a lilttle freaked. Lucky me – I spelled it Juston (I know, I’m one of those)!!
It is illegal to talk on your phone while driving in CA. July was the beginning. So far, it seems to work. I don’t see too many (but a few). Even handsfree is distracting (GUILTY!). I just try to keep it short. What a preventable tragedy.
11:03 pm on September 24th, 2008
I personally don’t shed a tear for anyone who dies in a wreck because they were texting at the time. Same goes for anyone who rides with someone who texts while driving and doesn’t insist that they pull the car over and let the passengers out. (nothing against you personally, kaseyj79) I mean, if you want to drive like an idiot and die because of it, fine. But to take some other innocent person’s life just because you think your right to mindlessly yak about jackshit is more important that someone else’s safety? That’s deserving of a special place in hell.
My sister-in-law was killed by someone who thought he was just too special to pay attention while driving, and it eats me up every day that that bastard is still alive while my sister-in-law is gone. I truly hope he wakes up every day remembering that he’s a murderer who doesn’t deserve to live, and I hope everyone who ever knew or loved him ostracizes him now.
11:32 pm on September 24th, 2008
I found this little tidbit from an article published before it was being reported the truck driver had been on the phone.
The superintendent just admitted to speeding while working his cell phone to a crash that happened because of the same thing.
11:57 pm on September 24th, 2008
No offense taken and I pretty much agree w/ you. That incident was why I ended up driving all, but 4 hours of the 18 hour drive. Being in a car is dangerous enough w/ out having to worry about watching the road for someone who’s suppose to be driving. Everyone in the car said I was over reacting, but I didn’t care. I wasn’t about to go off the side of a mountain so that someone can send a text about nothing.
I am truly sorry for your loss LeeMouse! These types of things happen way too often, and need to be stopped! Too many innocent people are suffering for others stupidity!
11:57 pm on September 24th, 2008
OMG!! What a dumbass. I can respect wanting to know what is happening at the scene – but DUH!
12:18 am on September 25th, 2008
I was hit a couple of months ago by a driver who was on her cell phone at the time. Luckly I was at a turn and neither one of us were going very fast…could have been much worse. I agree a law needs to be put in place to outlaw the use of cell phones while driving.
These poor children, and this dear girl Frances, so young to die in such a horrific way. My hearts go out to the family and friends. The parents must be in complete shock and drowning in grief. Bless your hearts…I can’t even imagine.
Rest in peace sweet Frances Schee.
12:28 am on September 25th, 2008
Just a couple days ago I was inches away from being hit by a semi driver who was on his cell phone! If I hadn’t been paying attention, it could have been very bad. And, I’m in Washington State where it’s illegal to talk on the cell and drive!
1:09 am on September 25th, 2008
yes i have several times, lots of Gonzalez in the news since Casey mentioned Zenaida.
I almost within inches get hit everytime I go out by someone on a cell phone. When I am stopped at traffic lights watching the moving oncoming cars I count the drivers using cells (It is sorta like the 1 2 3 4 red cars in a row game). I have counted 5 in a row before having to start the count over. It is really obvious and very dangerous. I hate it!
* I am not sure it is hands free here or not but if it is they don’t inforce it.
R I P Frances – very sad to read how she was trapped and the rushing blame of fire How Horrible ! Tragic for all !!! Thanks to those that lent a hand to rescued those kids.
1:20 am on September 25th, 2008
RIP Frances.
Good grief!! They just don’t get it. “Oh, that will never happen to me.”
A couple of weeks ago, I was on a road trip to see family. My husband was driving, I was bored, so I started looking around at the other cars. I noticed a semi swerving a bit, so I eyeballed him as we went by…surprise, surprise, cell phone.
From that point on, I really started paying attention to how many people were on the phone while driving (especially truckers). It was absolutely stunning. About every 3rd car or so, the driver had a hand-held phone up to their ear, and almost EVERY SINGLE ONE of the truck drivers. I know long distance trips get boring, but when you’re sitting behind the wheel of that much power, can you afford to be distracted?
My husband brought up a good point, though. Even before cell phones, almost every semi had a CB. Granted, they didn’t have to constantly hold the thing up to their ear to listen, but they were still distracted.
I saw a child from my neighborhood get hit by a car last year. I didn’t know him, but it really shook me up. Now, I barely even drive with the radio on because I want to be able to hear and see everything around me.
5:58 am on September 25th, 2008
Very sad for the family of poor Frances, My prayers are with you immensely and this NEVER SHOULD have happened. I am sure everyone has to live with their inner nightmare of this situation and I TOTALLY COMMEND the bystanders that tried and did help many of the children, for the man that has to live with trying and unable to help poor Frances, you did everything you could and I am sure he will never forget what he saw that day, but thank you for your efforts. My prayers are with everyone involved in this situation and for all the children to get better and so sorry for the family again, of Frances. very very sad
6:26 am on September 25th, 2008
This is such a sad and tragic story. Using your cell phone is banned here in Ireland and they are trying to get a law passed that you can’t drink (obviously drink driving is banned) as in bottles of Coke etc or eat. They think all of that is a distraction. There is also talk about all radios not having the tuners on the dash but on the steering wheel.
The driver of the lorry will live with the guilt of killing that poor girl. All for a text or phonecall that could have waited until he stopped in a safe area.
Tragic…
10:00 am on September 25th, 2008
I believe what is holding up the “new” law. Those that believe it is ok to use cell phone would voice that smoking does the same or drinking coffee… whatever…….. there should NOT have to be a law at all. Except being able to cite someone when an accident occurs. There are alot of laws that are broken and the cops just overlook them. So basically after the accident the damage is already done. The city is reaping the profits not the victim.
The Truth is … The Driver needs to …
Take the responsibility on their own and know it should NOT be done while driving pull the fuck over… It is much the same as disciplining a child, feeding a baby, shaving, applying makeup, or digging thru a cassette/dvd case. Has nothing to do with the radio buttons where they are or a truckers CB (which is 50% needed and 50% a toy)
10:12 am on September 25th, 2008
UNBELIEVEABLE!!!!!!!!!! I never talk on my phone while driving, I don’t know how people do that!! And I drive a stick, which about the same thing that truck drivers do, they need both hands and both feet to drive the vehicle….this is so sad….
10:26 am on September 25th, 2008
Well then he’s just as stupid as the truck driver.
It is illegal in some states to talk on your cell phone while driving. My oldest son lives in New York and got a $500.00 fine for it. I kept telling him not to do it.
That poor little girl, such a horrible way to die. And I believe that anyone who puts themselves in danger to try to help someone else is a HERO. Regardless of what they say.
God I can’t imagine what she and everyone else had to go thru. I hope the nightmares don’t last long. And yes Morbid, a little more info on how to donate would be appreciated.
10:38 am on September 25th, 2008
RIP, beautiful girl.
And to those 4 men who repeatedly entered that inferno to get children to safety: THANK YOU. The world could use a lot more people like you. It’s heartbreaking that Frances didn’t get out, but still more amazing that everyone else did. That’s because of YOU.
11:33 am on September 25th, 2008
Amazing Bravery!
Sorry for your loss to the family and friends of Frances.
1:16 pm on September 25th, 2008
The thing about the “but what about all the other distractions?” objections to proposed cell phone laws is that it’s a false analogy. Engaging in conversation takes a level of concentration and energy that is far different from listening to a song, or drinking a cup of coffee, or fiddling with the radio knobs. Those kinds of activities are one-way–they don’t call for you to process what another party is saying, or to form an appropriate response. It’s like the difference between watching porn and having sex: sure, the first can be distracting, but it doesn’t require the same level of activity and attention to an active partner as does the latter.
When I was in college, I often wrote papers with the radio on in the background, or while I was having a snack. But I never once was able to write a really good paper while I was on the phone.
6:35 pm on September 25th, 2008
“Schwarzenegger outlaws text-messaging while driving” I heard about this while listening to Paul Harvey at work today. Here is a link to an article from the LA times about the bill.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-arnold25-2008sep25,0,6433956.story
7:10 pm on September 25th, 2008
Kasey – I live in CA. This started in July. I believe the fine starts at $50 for the first offense and is considered a moving violation. I know it’s a minor fine, but I don’t see too many people yaking on their phones any more. It seems that people are taking it seriously.
7:41 pm on September 25th, 2008
This is so sad. EVERYBODY IS TO FUCKING STUPID TO USE CELL PHONES WHILE IN CHARGE OF A MOVING CAR/TRUCK/BOAT….yeah get it!?! I can say it again if you like…..no one is smarter when it comes to this….NO ONE!!
I mean fucking a poor thing and everyone touched by it….tragic.
In Seattle, Washington you are by law to stay off your phone while driving. Wake up and smell the coffee America why oh why are we not all on board with this…..it’s easy peasy!
If you care, if you give a shit at all about this issue at hand show some respect and in their honor stay the fuck off the phone…..otherwise don’t even pretend you care because you are not caring in the right action changing way.
rip buttercup. you will be missed and you will bring great change, i am just so sorry it had to be you love.
7:52 pm on September 25th, 2008
frenchpress – You seem a little angry (sarcasm). Do you know this girl? The family? Just wondering.
8:44 pm on September 25th, 2008
Texting Train Engineers…Cell Phone using Tractor Trailer Drivers…
DEATH DEATH AND DEATH.
Fuck, get a fucking headset and PUT down the cell. Idiots.
11:37 pm on September 25th, 2008
The family released a statement today:
http://www.cfnews13.com/News/Sidebar/2008/9/25/schee_family_releases_statement.html
“…God must have needed a clarinet player for his band, and we can tell you he got a good one.”
10:38 am on September 26th, 2008
You know, ever since I heard about this I have been more careful when using my cell. Of course, I am so sad for this family but I also can’t imagine the guilt that man will feel for the rest of his life. Again, so sorry for this family…..
6:45 pm on November 2nd, 2008
Well, this is my first time posting. I saw this website while looking for Margay’s address to send a donation to the Schee’s. Margay was a close friend of mine. She just loved school, cheerleading, animals, and surfing. When I found out about the accident, I had no idea it was Margay. Only because I didn’t know her by Frances, I knew her by Margay. And know, almost 6 weeks after, I am still heart broken.
8:26 pm on November 2nd, 2008
Thank you for posting your feelings. There are a lot of people here, too, whose hearts were broken over this story. I wish there was something to say to make it easier for you.
4:12 pm on April 8th, 2009
Frances was one of my very best friends.i went to north Marion and i moved a few months earlier.On september 21st i tried to find her number to call her and to wish her a “Happy Birthday”but i couldnt find her number.two days later I heard there was a bus accident and that a girl named margay was killed.It didnt dawn on me that it was frances.She would always yell at me to call her margay.lol and on friday i asked my teacher to bring me the newspaper so i could show y mom and i saw her pic in the newspaper.i broke down crying and ran out of the room.i had no clue it was her.i went into a depression for a few days didnt eat,talk,sleep,or anything.And still after 7 months i am still heartbroken and i still miss her dearly but i will always remeber her for her smile,love for nature and nimals,and i have lived by her saying
“56 lessons to live by”
Life is not always perfect
deal with it
its the only life you have
“Chase your dreams even if you trip a couple of times”
“Everyone who has a loved one die just wants one more hug,one more kiss”
i made a video in her memorial
here is the link.i will always miss you and never ever forget you.if anybody would like to contact me my e-mail is
christinaakaroxy@aol.com
LINK:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f6shiMV-BnA
oh yeah that jerk who hit the bus was convicted on April 5th 2009
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