Driver of bus that struck Vancouver teen identified

The Vancouver Police Department released the name of the bus driver whose vehicle struck a 15-year-old girl Monday morning.

Virginia Sharpe has been a driver with Vancouver Public Schools for 18 years and has “an excellent driving record,” police said. Pat Mattison, spokeswoman for the Vancouver school district, said Sharpe is on leave during the investigation into the crash.

Hudson’s Bay High School sophomore Kelcie Huntley was walking in the crosswalk around 7 a.m. when the bus, which was turning left from East McLoughlin Boulevard onto Grand Boulevard, hit her, according to police.

Anne Rogge, a Girl Scout troop leader who knows the family, said the teenager suffered a broken pelvis, damage to her back and facial fractures. Huntley is recovering from back surgery.

Rogge set up a website to collect donations and help the family offset medical costs at www.gofundme.com/helpkelsiehuntley.

There were no students on the bus at the time of the incident, according to police. The investigation is ongoing, and Sharpe has been cooperating with police.

Police say that during low light and inclement weather, drivers and pedestrians need to be particularly vigilant and people should wear bright clothing while walking.