Supporters of Alabama school bus driver charged in deadly accident say she suffered from 'medical crisis'

Auburn bus driver charged after fatal crash, medical crisis cited by supporters

A 75‑year‑old school bus driver from Auburn, Alabama, is facing charges of vehicular homicide and criminal negligence after a collision on Nov. 18, 2025 that killed a 42‑year‑old local bakery owner. Theresa McCloud, who has worked for the Auburn City Schools for more than two decades, told investigators she was not feeling well that day, but a lawsuit filed by the deceased driver’s husband alleges that McCloud’s diabetes and recent prescription of opioids contributed to the crash.

The collision occurred in Auburn when McCloud’s school bus struck the vehicle of Jennifer Leigh Cooper, a well‑known local baker. Cooper died at the scene. McCloud is accused of losing control of the bus, a claim supported by a GoFundMe page created by her supporters that has since been removed. The page states:

“Theresa’s blood sugar suddenly dropped to 23 mg/dL while driving, causing confusion and [loss of consciousness].”

The lawsuit also notes that McCloud had never experienced a low‑blood‑sugar episode before and that doctors confirmed the event was a medical crisis. “Even so, Theresa is now facing the overwhelming challenge of defending against charges connected to that emergency,” the page read. “On September 4, 2026, Theresa turned herself in and began facing the legal process head‑on.”

Medical conditions and prescription medication

According to the suit, McCloud has a long‑standing diagnosis of diabetes. Two days before the crash, she visited a doctor who prescribed opioid medication to manage her symptoms. The medication’s label includes a warning against driving. In the lawsuit, the attorneys claim that the combination of the opioid’s sedative effects and the sudden drop in blood glucose impaired McCloud’s ability to operate the bus safely.

McCloud’s family, however, disputes the allegations, saying the driver was in good health and that the crash was a tragic accident. Supporters of McCloud point to her longstanding service record and argue that the medical crisis was a sudden, unforeseeable event.

Legal proceedings

McCloud was charged with vehicular homicide and criminal negligence following the incident. She turned herself in on September 4, 2026, and has since begun the legal process. Her defense team has not yet released a statement, but prosecutors in the Auburn City Schools Board of Education’s lawsuit say that McCloud’s medical condition and medication usage severely impaired her ability to perform her duties as a bus driver.

The lawsuit also alleges that McCloud told her supervisors she was not feeling well on the day of the crash, implying a pre‑existing health concern that might have contributed to the fatal collision.

Community reaction

Video footage from the scene shows middle‑school students stepping onto the bus to secure it after McCloud collapsed at the wheel. The footage, widely circulated on social media, highlights the quick response of the students, but does not clarify the precise cause of the driver’s loss of consciousness.

The local community is divided. Some residents view McCloud as a respected veteran who has spent her life transporting children safely, while others argue that the crash demonstrates the importance of strict medical oversight for commercial drivers.

Broader context

The case has drawn attention to the broader issue of older adults taking multiple prescription medications, a topic that has been the focus of recent studies linking such medication usage to higher risk of fatal outcomes. While the specific medical circumstances in Auburn remain under investigation, the lawsuit underscores how complex factors—diabetes, medication, and sudden physiological changes—can intersect with driving safety.

Current status

The case is pending. A hearing is scheduled for the fall, and the outcome could set a precedent for how medical emergencies among school bus drivers are handled in the state. The Auburn City Schools Board of Education has not yet released an official statement about the lawsuit, and Fox News Digital is awaiting a response from the school district.

In the meantime, the community mourns the loss of Jennifer Leigh Cooper, remembers her contributions as a bakery owner, and watches closely as the legal process unfolds.