75-Year-Old School Bus Driver Faces Homicide Charges After Fatal Crash, Supporters Cite 'Medical Crisis'

On Thursday, 3 September, 75-year-old school bus driver Theresa McCloud was indicted on homicide charges in connection with a fatal crash that occurred on 18 November, 2025 in Auburn, Alabama. The crash claimed the life of 42-year-old woman Jennifer Leigh Cooper, who was known locally as a mother and owner of a cupcake shop.

Theresa McCloud was indicted by a Lee County grand jury. Meanwhile, her supporters are speaking up and claiming that the driver suffered a sudden medical emergency while behind the wheel.

The case has since raised questions about what happened in the moments before the crash, with a wrongful-death lawsuit filed by Cooper's husband also raising allegations about McCloud's health and medication at the time.

Supporters Point to Medical Crisis

Supporters of the 75-year-old set up a GoFundMe page to raise awareness regarding the situation and help her with legal defence. The supporters claimed that the page wasn't just about raising legal fees, but to give McCloud a fair chance to be heard and to move forward with dignity.

However, the page has since been deleted by the fundraising website because it violates part of its terms that prohibit fundraisers for legal defence of someone charged with a violent crime.

According to the page, McCloud experienced a sudden drop in blood sugar to 23 mg/dL during the drive, causing her to become confused and lose consciousness, which is described by her supporters as a previously unseen medical crisis.

The page stated, 'Theresa had never experienced a low blood sugar episode before, and doctors confirmed that this was a medical crisis.' However, the claims have not been established as fact in court, and the circumstances surrounding the crash remain subject to the legal process.

Victim's Husband Filed a Civil Lawsuit

Jennifer's husband, Patrick Cooper, filed a separate civil lawsuit against McCloud and the Auburn City Schools Board of Education that raises additional questions about the driver's health and medication.

The lawsuit alleges that McCloud had diabetes and had been prescribed opiate medication two days before the crash. It further alleges that she told school officials she was unwell but was nevertheless instructed to pick up elementary school pupils.

According to the lawsuit, McCloud subsequently attempted to take the children towards Auburn High School before leaving the school and heading towards the elementary school.

The complaint alleges that McCloud lost control of the bus at around 8:04 AM. It argues that her medical condition, medication, or a combination of the two may have impaired her ability to drive safely.

Victim's Family Expresses Trust in Justice System

Cooper's family has expressed faith in the legal process following McCloud's arrest. Royal Dumas, who represents Cooper's estate, said the arrest was an important development but stressed that it could not bring Cooper back.

Dumas also added, 'We ask that you also remember each family who puts a child on a school bus each morning trusting that the person behind the wheel is fit to drive.' Meanwhile, McCloud remains in custody at the Lee County Jail on a $12,000 bond (£8,800).