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Athens students create memorial to 13-year-old killed in bus crash

Nearly a week after 13-year-old Christopher Bonilla was killed when an oncoming freight train hit his school bus, the children of Bus 46 in Athens made a touching tribute to their classmate.
Credit: Facebook - Velda Jackson
Students on Athens ISD Bus 46 created a touching memorial to student killed in last week's bus crash.

ATHENS, Texas — Five days ago, Athens Middle School student Christopher Bonilla, 13, lost his life after a freight train hit his school bus on the way home.

RELATED: Athens police identify boy killed, girl injured in school bus crash

The tragedy galvanized the Athens community and rallied support from around East Texas, including a campaign to wear maroon in solidarity with the district.

RELATED: #MaroonOnMonday: Local school districts, businesses show support for Athens ISD following tragic bus accident

However, one of the more touching tributes to Bonilla came from the hearts of the children who rode the bus each with him every day.

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On Tuesday, the children created a memorial for Bonilla in what was the seat he would usually sit in. The memorial featured about a dozen pictures, stuffed animals, flowers and multiple cards with multiple signatures.

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Velda Jackson was so moved by the gesture, she snapped a picture and shared it on social media along with a prayer.

Since the touching picture was published Wednesday morning, the post has been shared more than 3,000 times.

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