A 17-year-old boy who was on the tour bus headed toward Humboldt State University before it crashed joined the school's alumni in Los Angeles on Sunday to lend their support to those affected by the tragedy.
The alumni group hosted the gathering on the steps of Los Angeles City Hall, where the teen recalled the tragic crash that claimed 10 lives Thursday.
Daebreon Kendrick said he was sitting on the driver’s side when a FedEx truck collided with the bus head-on, launching him two or three rows forward. He said he opened an emergency exit and fled as the bus became engulfed in flames.
Kendrick said Michael Myvette, a chaperone on the trip who died, tried to make the students feel comfortable on their way to the university.
"Throughout the trip he was coming to the back of the bus talking to everybody, making us laugh," Kendrick said.
Despite the crash, Kendrick said still plans to attend Humboldt State.
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"I'm just really thankful and glad he's home," said the boy's mother, Shendonna Robertson. "I know a lot of people lost their loved ones."
"Don't take life for granted," she added.
Los Angeles Unified School District officials set up a fund to provide financial assistant to families affected by the tragedy. Donations can be made by credit card at laspoa.com, or by mailing checks or money orders payable to “LAUSD Family Support Fund" to California Credit Union P.O. Box 29100 Glendale, CA 91209-9971.
