ME Woman Lori Merrifield ID’d As School Bus Driver In Tuesday Standish Fatal Student Strike

STANDISH, ME. (THECOUNT) — Simon Gonzalez, a 5-year-old kindergarten student, was killed Tuesday morning after being struck by a school bus in Standish, Maine, according to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office. Authorities on Wednesday identified the bus driver involved in the fatal crash as 64-year-old Lori Ann Merrifield, who has not been charged.

The deadly incident was reported just before 8 a.m. Tuesday near 437 Northeast Road, approximately a half-mile from Edna Libby School, one of several elementary schools within Maine School Administrative District 6 (MSAD 6). Deputies responding to the scene found Simon Gonzalez critically injured, and he was pronounced dead at the scene, officials confirmed.

Law enforcement officials said Merrifield was driving the school bus involved in the crash. At this time, no criminal charges have been filed in connection with the incident. Authorities have not released details about whether students were on the bus at the time of the crash or the exact circumstances that led to the child being struck.

The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation with assistance from the Maine State Police Reconstruction Unit and the Maine State Police Commercial Motor Vehicle Unit. According to a statement from Capt. Dean Fredericks, investigators are working to determine the sequence of events, including the bus’s movements, visibility conditions, and roadway factors at the time of the collision.

The area of Northeast Road where the crash occurred is a rural stretch frequently traveled by school buses and local residents. Authorities have not said whether weather, speed, or mechanical issues played a role in the incident. Officials emphasized that the investigation remains active and that conclusions will not be made until all evidence has been reviewed.

Simon Gonzalez was a student in MSAD 6, a district that serves several communities in Cumberland County. School district officials acknowledged the tragedy earlier this week, though Superintendent Clay Gleason did not respond Wednesday to questions regarding the bus driver’s employment history or how long she had been with the district.

The death of the kindergartener has deeply affected the Standish community and surrounding areas. While authorities have not commented on memorials or counseling services, school districts in similar incidents often coordinate with families and staff to provide support resources for students and educators impacted by such losses.

A GoFundMe was started for the young boy killed in the crash.

Investigators from the Maine State Police Reconstruction Unit are expected to analyze physical evidence from the scene, including the bus itself, roadway markings, and sightlines near the location of the crash. The Commercial Motor Vehicle Unit will also review factors related to the operation of the school bus, including compliance with safety regulations.

Officials have not released a timeline for when the investigation may be completed. Law enforcement stressed that fatal crash investigations involving school buses are complex and require careful examination before findings are presented to prosecutors or the public.

At this stage, authorities have not indicated whether the case could result in charges or whether it will be referred for prosecutorial review once the investigation is finalized. Any determinations will be made after all investigative units submit their findings to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.

Police have asked for patience from the public as investigators continue their work. Anyone who may have witnessed the crash or has information that could assist investigators is encouraged to contact the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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