Cupcake Shop Owner Jennifer Merwin Cooper Killed in Car Crash Involving School Bus, Auburn Authorities Say [PHOTOS]

A beloved Auburn business owner, Jennifer Merwin Cooper, was killed in a car crash involving a school bus on Tuesday morning, according to Alabama authorities. The fatal collision occurred shortly after 8 a.m. on November 18 in the 1000 block of East University Drive at Alfa Court.

Lee County Coroner Daniel Sexton identified the 42-year-old Auburn resident as the victim. While few details have been released, officials confirmed that Cooper, who was driving the vehicle, was pronounced dead at the scene. No additional injuries were reported, including those aboard the school bus.

Cupcake Shop Owner Jennifer Merwin Cooper Killed in Car Crash Involving School Bus, Auburn Authorities Say

The Auburn Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit responded to the crash and has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the wreck. Authorities have not yet indicated what led to the collision or whether any party is considered at fault.

According to her LinkedIn profile, Jennifer Cooper was the owner of GiGi’s Cupcakes in Opelika, Alabama, and Columbus, Georgia. She was also a mother of two and a former science teacher who had become a well-known figure in the community. A profile in the Opelika Observer noted that Cooper had been serving cupcakes locally for 15 years and, together with her husband, had been donating birthday cakes to children in foster care since 2018. The couple also partnered with United Way and local schools on various fundraising efforts.

Cupcake Shop Owner Jennifer Merwin Cooper Killed in Car Crash Involving School Bus, Auburn Authorities Say

Cupcake Shop Owner Jennifer Merwin Cooper Killed in Car Crash Involving School Bus, Auburn Authorities Say

The irony of a woman so deeply involved in supporting local schools and children losing her life in a crash with a school bus has not gone unnoticed in the community, which has begun mourning her sudden loss.

Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the crash to contact Auburn detectives at 334-501-3140. Tips can also be submitted by calling or texting 334-246-1391 or by emailing [email protected].

Cupcake Shop Owner Jennifer Merwin Cooper Killed in Car Crash Involving School Bus, Auburn Authorities Say