> At a Glance
> – Simon Gonzalez, 5, died after being dragged then run over by a Bonny Eagle school bus on Dec. 16, 2025
> – NTSB preliminary report: doors closed on his arm; bus drove 280 ft before he fell beneath wheels
> – Driver has not been charged; federal and county investigations continue
> – Why it matters: Raises urgent questions about bus-stop safety protocols for young children
A December morning bus stop on Route 35 in Standish turned fatal when Simon Gonzalez approached the passenger doors just as they began to shut, trapping the kindergartner and setting off a chain of events the NTSB says ended beneath the vehicle’s rear wheels.
How the Tragedy Unfolded
At roughly 8:00 a.m., the southbound bus picked up a 7-year-old, then started to pull away. Simon, approaching from the right rear, reached the doors too late.
> NTSB initial report: “The student extended his left arm into the bus, between the closing doors, and his arm became pinned… The bus began to drive… and the student was dragged about 280 feet before he became dislodged… and was run over.”
Both the driver and the lone student aboard were uninjured.
Community Reaction
- Jason Small, Simon’s grandfather: “Simon loved life. He loved to just be on the go… Our family has been devastated.”
- Superintendent Clay Gleason, Maine School Administrative District #6, informed families of the “fatal accident involving an elementary-school-aged student” the same morning.
Investigation Status
| Agency | Status |
|---|---|
| NTSB | Preliminary report issued Jan. 9; full probe continues |
| Cumberland County Sheriff | Ongoing; driver not charged |
The incident occurred near Edna Libby Elementary School.
Key Takeaways
- Federal investigators will determine probable cause and recommend safety changes
- Sheriff’s office has released no charges while the investigation proceeds
- Grandfather remembers Simon as energetic and “extremely loved”
Until final reports are issued, the Standish bus stop remains a stark reminder of how quickly routine school-day moments can turn irreversible.
