A 75-year-old school bus driver from Alabama has been indicted on homicide charges following a tragic crash that resulted in the death of a local businesswoman. Theresa McCloud, who was driving an Auburn City Schools bus, was charged with vehicular homicide and criminally negligent homicide after the incident, which occurred on 18 November 2025.
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The accident took place around 8 a.m. local time near East University Drive. Reports indicate that McCloud lost control of the vehicle, subsequently colliding with a passenger car. The crash claimed the life of 42-year-old Jennifer Leigh Cooper, known in the community as a doting mother and the owner of Gigi’s Cupcakes, a beloved local bakery.
Supporters of McCloud argue that she suffered a medical emergency during the fatal incident, claiming she experienced a severe drop in blood sugar, leading to confusion and loss of consciousness. Family and friends have expressed their belief that her medical condition should be considered in the context of the crash. A GoFundMe campaign was launched to support her legal defence but has since been removed, as the platform prohibits fundraising for individuals charged with violent crimes.
Following the incident, Cooper’s husband filed a civil lawsuit against both McCloud and the Auburn City Schools Board of Education, alleging that McCloud had a medical history that included diabetes and had also been prescribed opiates shortly before the crash. The lawsuit claims that McCloud had informed her supervisors that she was unwell on the day of the crash, and it highlights that the prescription medication came with cautionary advice regarding driving.
The lawsuit presents a troubling narrative surrounding McCloud’s state of health, asserting that her condition and use of medication may have compromised her ability to operate the bus safely. It alleges that due to previous diabetic episodes and the use of opiates, her capability to perform her duties as a bus driver was severely impaired.
In response, McCloud’s family has pushed back against these accusations. They insist that she had never before dealt with a low blood sugar incident and argue that the focus should not merely be on legal fees but rather on ensuring that McCloud receives a fair opportunity to defend herself and uphold her dignity in the legal proceedings.
In a statement issued by attorneys representing Cooper’s estate, they acknowledged the seriousness of the situation and emphasised their trust in the justice system. “We understand that there has been an arrest in connection with the tragic incident that took Jennifer’s life. The arrest is an important development in the legal process,” said Royal Dumas from the law firm Rushton, Stakely, Johnston & Garrett. Dumas also extended a request for the community to remember the families affected by the crash and those who entrust their children to school bus drivers daily.
Theresa McCloud is currently being held in Lee County Jail, with a bond set at £12,000. The legal proceedings are expected to unfold in the coming weeks, as both sides prepare for the complexities of the case. As the situation develops, it continues to shape discussions surrounding bus driver fitness, medical conditions, and the responsibilities of schools in ensuring the safety of students.