Teen killed in SC bus crash remembered ‘as the boy who always had a smile on his face’
Jose Maria Gonzalez-Linares “will always be known as the boy who always had a smile on his face,” according his online obituary.
The obituary, along with remarks from friends, strangers and a school advisor, described Gonzalez-Linares, 13, as kind, smart and always willing to lend a helping hand.
Gonzalez-Linares, who attended Pine Ridge Middle School in the Lexington 2 school district, was killed Thursday, April 17, when a school bus filled with students blew a tire and flipped on its side on Interstate 77 in Chester County. The students were returning from an eighth-grade field trip that included a visit to the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte. His spring break would’ve started the next day.
Instead, he died after the bus he was traveling home on blew a tire, causing it to flip on its side across multiple lanes of traffic on Interstate 77 in Chester County.
His funeral is scheduled for Wednesday, April 23.
Jose “always loved to share, cared deeply for his friends and family, and always worked hard,“ an online obituary posted by Caughman-Harman Funeral Home read.
Born to Jose and Arminda Gonzalez on Jun. 3, 2011, in Gastonia, N.C., Gonzalez-Linares was one of six children in the Gonzalez family, accordng to the obituary.
A classmate and friend of the 13-year-old said he “would always help everyone.”
“I would never imagine that my first (loss) would be my friend,” the student said in a comment to Gonzalez-Linares’ obituary. “I’m sad to see Jose go, he should have lived a longer life, but sadly some people have to leave early. I hope that God has let Jose enter in to Heaven with wide open arms.”
In another comment, a school advisor said that Gonzalez-Linares “was a bright and intelligent young man who always brought laughter and a warm smile.”
“I had the pleasure of meeting Jose at (Pine Ridge Middle School) two years ago, and I have been his advisor since then,” the advisor said in comment to the obituary. “Jose will always be remembered and cherished.”
His funeral will be held at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, West Columbia Chapel — located at 820 West Dunbar Road — on Wednesday, Apr. 23, at 11 a.m.
A burial will follow the service at Southland Memorial Gardens, according to the obituary.
“Despite his 13 years, he touched a lot of hearts,” the obituary read. “His love for God was so big. He loved playing for Him, whether it be through the drums or trumpet. He was talented, loving, and funny. He loved expressing what he felt with hugs, songs, and would always give a thumbs up.”
This story was originally published April 22, 2025 at 4:22 PM.
