Willard student killed in crash involving school bus

Senior citizen driver, allegedly at fault for pulling in front of bus, sustains serious injury
A Willard High School student is dead following a crash near Elwood on Thursday, Dec. 7. The victim, Kallista Fisher, would have turned 18 years old on Christmas Eve.
The crash happened at about 4 p.m., one mile west of Springfield, where Missouri State Highway Patrol investigators said a 2006 Ford Explorer driven by Harold Budnovich, 68, Springfield, pulled out in front of a school bus on Highway 266, causing it to collide with Fisher’s 1995 Chevrolet S-10 truck, striking it head-on. Medical personnel pronounced Fisher dead at the scene. Fisher and the school bus driver, Katherine Lopez, 52, were wearing their seat belts, while Budnovich was not. Lopez suffered minor injuries, while Budnovich met serious injury.
No children were aboard the school bus at the time.
Fisher’s mother, Vyctorya Bowen, shared the impression Kallista made on the community in a statement to The Commonwealth. According to Bowen, Fisher’s legal name starts with a C, but she prefers to spell it with a K.
“We are absolutely devastated by the loss of our daughter. It’s been a struggle to get out of bed and face our new reality every day. We are finding some solace in reading and hearing so many wonderful stories about Kallista. Not every parent gets the opportunity to hear what an impact our child has had on so many. Kallista was incredibly smart, funny, talented, loving, caring and authentic. Kallista was an amazing artist with a big personality that lit up any room. She was not afraid to be her authentic self every day and had so much confidence in who she was. Many have said that they looked up to her and saw her as a role model. We have been thanked over and over again for sharing her with the world. We have had such an [out-pour] of love and support from the community, friends, family, Willard School that we will forever be grateful for,” she said.
The Willard School District also released a statement following the crash.
“It is with deep sadness that we write to inform you of the death of Willard High School senior Callista Fisher. We extend our heartfelt sympathy to her friends and family and ask that you please keep her friends and family in your thoughts and prayers.
[Friday] morning, WHS students will be read a statement informing them of Callista’s passing and to let them know of the resources available to help them grieve. Our crisis team of counselors will be on-site at WHS [Friday] and as long as needed to help students and employees process this great loss.
Our hearts are heavy, and we would like to extend our deepest condolences to all those affected during this incredibly difficult time.”
No arrests have been made following the crash, as investigators are still looking into the case. Since the incident, a GoFundMe has been started to cover the expenses of a funeral service. At this time, the GoFundMe has raised nearly $17,000.
“The GoFundMe that was created to help us pay for funeral expenses has raised $16,659 as of right now. This has covered the cost of her funeral expenses and will allow us to also purchase a headstone. It’s been a blessing truly. Any money remaining after all funeral expenses are done will be donated in Kallista’s memory,” said Bowen.
In a Facebook post, Bowen said that guests at the public memorial service should come as their authentic selves, or in “Kallista fashion,” which includes band tees, leather jackets, studded belts, hats, shades, Vans and Converse.
The service will take place from 5-8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14, at North Point Church in Springfield.