76-Year-Old Man Dies After Crash with School Bus in Marion County

A tragic crash in Marion County, Florida involving a school bus has left a 76-year-old man dead, raising serious questions about right-of-way violations and roadway safety, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

What We Know About the Crash

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred on May 6, 2026, on State Road 40 near SE 177th Avenue in the Silver Springs area.

Authorities report:

• A school bus attempted to make a left turn
• The bus entered the path of an oncoming truck
• The two vehicles collided during the maneuver

The 76-year-old man driving the truck was transported to the hospital but later died from his injuries.

School Bus Occupants Unharmed

The Marion County School District confirmed that the bus was carrying:

• A driver
• A bus aide
• Four children between the ages of 5 and 10

All individuals on the bus were unharmed.

Witness Accounts

A witness driving behind the bus described the moments leading up to the crash and its aftermath.

According to the witness:

• The bus made a left turn that appeared unsafe
• The truck driver was trapped and calling for help
• Bystanders attempted to assist but were unable to reach him

Emergency responders were called immediately, but the severity of the crash proved fatal.

Preliminary Cause: Failure to Yield

Investigators believe the crash may have been caused by the bus driver failing to yield the right of way while making a left turn.

Failure to yield is a leading cause of serious intersection crashes, particularly when large vehicles like buses are involved.

Legal Considerations in School Bus Crashes

Crashes involving school buses often involve complex liability issues.

Potential factors include:

• Driver negligence, including failure to yield
• Training and supervision of school bus drivers
• School district policies and safety protocols
• Vehicle maintenance and safety equipment

School districts and their insurers may be held accountable if negligence contributed to the crash.

Pattern of School Bus Safety Concerns

This crash comes amid a series of recent school bus-related incidents across Central Florida, including:

• A hit-and-run crash that injured multiple students
• Reports of unsafe bus driving behavior
• A separate case involving a bus driver arrested after a train collision

These incidents have raised broader concerns about school transportation safety and oversight.

Compensation and Wrongful Death Claims

Families who lose a loved one in a crash may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim.

Compensation may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship and support
• Medical costs prior to death

Each case depends on the findings of the investigation and applicable Florida law.

Investigation Ongoing

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash. The Marion County School District stated it will wait for the final report before determining any disciplinary action.

Our Thoughts Are With the Victim’s Family

This is a heartbreaking loss. Our thoughts are with the family of the man who lost his life and all those affected by this tragedy.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families across Florida in serious accident and wrongful death cases. If your family has suffered a loss due to negligence, we are here to help you understand your legal options.

We offer free consultations and handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning no fees unless we recover compensation for your family.