Death of student struck by school bus is mourned

Jacob Escobedo

Officials from the City of Wayne and the Wayne City Council were among the many who offered condolences to the family of Jacob Escobedo, a 12-year-old Franklin Middle School student who was killed last week.

The student was struck and killed by a school bus at about 2:50 p.m. Feb. 14 in the area of Howe Road and Annapolis Street, police said. Classes were being dismissed for the day when the incident took place, according to police reports. 

A GoFundMe started to pay for funeral costs, called “Jacob Escobedo,” raised more than twice the $7,000 goal in less than 24 hours. 

“Jacob was a wonderful student and friend who was always smiling,” Wayne-Westland Community Schools Superintendent John Dignan said in a letter to families Wednesday. “He was also creative and smart and was working on a fantasy book. Jacob will be missed by his teachers and classmates.”

The tween, who was less than two weeks from his 13th birthday, was the son of Joanie (Sean-Taylor) Dawson and Brian Escobedo. In addition to his parents, he is survived by siblings Dallas, Elizabeth, Carly, and Karson; his grandparents Darla Escobedo, David Taylor and Theresa Taylor and many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.   

“We know that this loss is difficult for the students who have been his classmates, his friends, and the staff members and faculty of the Wayne Westland Community School District who had the incredible opportunity to be a part of his life and his educational journey,” noted a post on the City of Wayne social media page. 

Westland Mayor Michael Londeau also sent a message of sympathy to Jacob's family.

“He was loved by his teachers and classmates and has been described as a brilliant and kind student with a charming smile.  Westland is a compassionate city and I encourage you to keep this family in your prayers as they go through this painful and difficult time of grief. Please join me in offering heartfelt and deepest condolences to his family, including his three siblings that attend the Wayne-Westland Schools.” 

Jacob is the third student in the Wayne-Westland district to be involved in a vehicle accident during the past months while traveling to or from school.

Interment services are set for 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 at Our Lady of Hope Cemetery in Brownstown Township. Visitation hours are posted on the Uht Funeral Home website.