STANDISH, Maine – A Standish community is in mourning after a kindergarten student was fatally struck by a school bus Tuesday morning less than half a mile from his school.
The victim has been identified as 5-year-old Simon Gonzalez, a student at Edna Libby Elementary School.
The Crash and Response
According to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, the tragic crash occurred shortly before 8 a.m. on Tuesday, December 16, on Route 35 (Northeast Road) near the school. Simon was pronounced dead at the scene.
Authorities confirmed that one other student on the bus was Simon’s half-brother, who witnessed the incident.
A Community in Grief
In a statement, Simon’s family described him as a joyful and energetic child who loved life and school.
“Simon loved life. He loved to just be on the go,” said his grandfather, Jason Small. “Our family has been devastated by this loss. He was and always will be extremely loved and missed by his whole family and everyone that knew him.”
Investigation and Support
The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the crash with the assistance of the Maine State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit.
In response to the tragedy, Edna Libby Elementary School dismissed students early on Tuesday. School counselors and support staff are available for students, teachers, and families.
Superintendent Clay Gleason urged the community to respect the family’s privacy and to avoid speculation, emphasizing that support for all those affected is the top priority.