10-year-old killed in Plainville crash, remembered for hugs, sweetest and most innocent smile

A 10-year-old killed in a weekend crash is being remembered.

The Brockton Public Schools announced that they are mourning the passing of rising Downey School fifth grader Jaylen Bush-Victorian who was killed in a collision. The crash also resulted in serious injuries to his siblings who attend Brockton schools and his parents, including his mother who serves as a paraprofessional at the Barrett Russell Early Childhood Center.

“It’s challenging to find the words to describe the sense of loss brought on by this tragedy. Our hearts are with the family and all those who love them as they mourn.

“Members of our district leadership team have been in regular communication with the Bush-Victorian family and will continue to hold them close moving forward, offering every available resource to support them as they mourn this tragic loss.”

A woman who stated she was a faculty member at Downey gave some insight into the young boy.

“Jaylin had golden brown eyes. Eyes so beautiful you would stop to look at them. Also, the sweetest and most innocent smile. And every day while I was holding the door for bus dismissal, he would give me a hug. A fourth grader without a thought stopping to hug me. God gained a perfect angel truly with Jaylin.”

According to Tim McGuirk of Massachusetts State Police, the preliminary information indicates that at approximately 8:30 p.m. Saturday, Michael Escolas, 42, of Oxford was traveling at a high rate of speed on Route 1 south in a 2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee, which he allegedly stole from a parking lot at Gillette Stadium. Escolas rear-ended a Nissan Altima stopped at a red light near the intersection of Route 1 and Interstate 495 in Plainville.

The Nissan was carrying Bush-Victorian and his five family members. He was pronounced dead at the hospital. 

The crash also resulted in damage to 4 cars in addition to the Nissan (including the Jeep). State Police working the Kenny Chesney concert at Gillette Stadium responded to the scene.

According to court records, Escolas was arraigned Monday in Wrentham District Court and charged with motor vehicle homicide with OUI liquor, OUI liquor, second offense, larceny of a motor vehicle, negligent operation of a motor vehicle, marked lanes violation, state highway traffic violation, speeding and nine counts of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Escolas is being held on $100,000 bail.

Members of the school community who are feeling especially impacted by this loss are encouraged to visit the Downey School from 10 a.m. to noon tomorrow, Wednesday, August 28 to speak with adjustment counselors and obtain resources to support them as they grieve.