Community rallies around Gibbstown, NJ family after 7-year-old boy struck, killed by school bus

GIBBSTOWN, N.J. (WPVI) -- A South Jersey community is rallying around the family of a 7-year-old boy who was killed Friday after being struck by a school bus just feet from his home.

Hunter Smith of Gibbstown, New Jersey was hit around 3:40 p.m. near Bennett Avenue and Ashton Drive. Neighbors and responding officers performed CPR before he was transported to a hospital, where he later died.

Video obtained by Action News showed a woman frantically knocking on a neighbor's door and calling for help moments after the incident.

Police have not released additional details and the investigation remains ongoing.

RELATED: Child dies after being hit by school bus in South Jersey

The bus was operated by Holcomb Transportation. A spokesperson for the company confirmed the bus driver is a 48-year-old woman who has worked for Holcomb Transportation since 2024. She was described by the company as having no prior issues.

In a statement, Holcomb Transportation said it is "heartbroken" and "deeply concerned" over the tragedy.

"We are fully cooperating with all relevant authorities as they work to determine the circumstances surrounding this incident," Frank Patrinicola, the company's director of safety and risk, said in part. "In addition to the official investigation, we have launched our own internal review to understand exactly what happened and to ensure that every appropriate measure is taken moving forward."

The tragedy has shaken the tight-knit Gloucester County community, where residents gathered over the weekend at a local church to grieve and support the family.

The Greenwich Township School District also made counselors and therapy dogs available to students and staff beginning Monday.

"I want to start by expressing my sincere and deepest condolences to the family affected by the tragedy," Superintendent Ryan Hudson said in a statement to the community. "Starting on Monday, both schools will have mental health professionals available to provide dedicated support to our entire staff and student body."

Local nonprofit Angels Community Outreach, which has worked with the Smith family in the past, is now collecting gift cards to help the family with immediate needs.

Director Elissa Darrow said she last saw Hunter during a back-to-school event while he was picking out school supplies.

"I have a little picture of him squatting down picking out his notebook and stuff," Darrow said. "He's such a sweet little boy."

Darrow described Hunter as a kind child who was well known throughout the community.

"He would always give you that little smirk of a smile," she said. "Such a sweet, sweet boy and this is just such a tragedy."

The organization plans to hold a yearly school supply drive in Hunter's honor in the future.

Darrow said community members looking to help can donate gift cards or contribute to online fundraising efforts for the family.

"I think people don't know how to help or what to do," she said. "But I think just being there supportive, saying 'I'm thinking of you' - anything people can do is going to be welcomed from the family at this time."

The organization is accepting gift cards for groceries, gas, restaurants, Walmart, Target, Amazon, or food delivery services.

They can be dropped off at or mailed to:

Angels Community Outreach
334 S Broadway, Pitman, NJ

Donation hours are on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 12 p.m.