A former bus driver from Milwaukee has been sentenced to two years in prison following a tragic incident on Christmas Day 2024 that resulted in the death of a pedestrian. Montrell Pharm, aged 53, received his sentence on March 12, issued by Judge David Swanson in the 11th Circuit Court of Wisconsin. In addition to the prison time, Pharm will also be subjected to three years of extended supervision post-release.
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The charges against Pharm stemmed from a horrific accident that claimed the life of 79-year-old Robert Clemons and left his grandson injured. Pharm pleaded no contest on January 20, 2026, to charges of homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle and reckless driving causing great bodily harm. While a no contest plea does not equate to an admission of guilt, it allows for a conviction based on the circumstances of the case.
On the evening of December 25, 2024, around 11 p.m., Pharm allegedly fell asleep at the wheel while operating a Milwaukee County Transit System bus. In the subsequent collision, he struck both Clemons and his grandson. Eyewitness accounts and an accident report indicate that the bus continued moving, dragging the elderly man for approximately a block before Pharm came to a stop.
Emergency responders arrived at the scene to a distressing sight. A trail of blood led to the bus, which had significant damage, including a broken front windshield. Clemons was declared dead at the scene due to his injuries, prompting authorities to describe the situation as requiring the extrication of the victim from beneath the bus.
In the aftermath of the accident, Clemons’ grandson recounted his desperate attempts to reach his grandfather, who was trapped beneath the vehicle. He reportedly suffered a broken arm and serious leg injuries, indicating the severity of the situation as both his grandfather and himself faced dire consequences from the incident.
During the court proceedings, video evidence was presented, purportedly showing Pharm with his eyes closed at the time of the crash. This footage played a significant role in establishing the circumstances of the incident, suggesting that fatigue may have contributed to the tragic events. During police interviews, Pharm expressed that he had been working long hours and had only managed to get six hours of sleep before the deadly shift.
At his sentencing, Pharm addressed Clemons’ grieving family, expressing his deep remorse. “There aren’t enough words to say to begin to heal your pain. I pray and sincerely ask for your forgiveness. This was an unintentional accident,” he stated, highlighting the emotional weight of the occasion.
The Milwaukee County Transit System, for which Pharm worked, issued a statement expressing condolences to Clemons’ family. They reaffirmed their commitment to safety and clarified that Pharm was discharged shortly after the tragic incident occurred. “Safety is a core principle that guides our decisions at every level of the organisation. This tragic incident in no way reflects upon MCTS bus operators as a whole, who are committed to keeping Milwaukee County safe every day,” the spokesperson concluded.
The sentencing of Montrell Pharm serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of road safety and the devastating consequences that can arise from neglecting proper rest and diligence in driving duties. The incident not only altered the lives of those directly involved but also resonated through the wider community, emphasizing the ongoing conversation regarding driver fatigue among public transport operators.