Alabama bus driver charged after crash claims she suffered medical emergency

A 75-year-old school bus driver, Theresa McCloud, is facing vehicular homicide and criminal negligence charges for a crash on November 18, 2025 in Auburn, Alabama, that killed local bakery owner Jennifer Leigh Cooper. The accident occurred after McCloud reportedly told supervisors she felt unwell and had recently been prescribed opiates for diabetes-related symptoms. A lawsuit filed by Cooper’s husband alleges McCloud’s blood-sugar level fell to 23 mg/dL while she was driving, leading to confusion and loss of consciousness, and that the medication’s warning against driving was ignored.

Supporters maintain the crash was the result of an unexpected medical crisis, but the suit contends the combination of her condition and drugs severely impaired her driving. McCloud turned herself in on September 4, 2026 and is now confronting the criminal case. The case also implicates the Auburn City Schools Board of Education, which is named in the lawsuit.