Simon Gonzalez, 5, Killed After Being Struck by School Bus Near Edna Libby Elementary in Standish, Maine

A 5-year-old kindergarten student, identified as Simon Gonzalez, died Tuesday morning after being struck by a school bus in Standish, Maine, authorities confirmed.

The fatal pedestrian crash occurred shortly before 8 a.m. in the area of 437 Northeast Road (Route 35), near the intersection of Route 114—less than half a mile from Edna Libby Elementary School, where Simon was a student.

According to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, Simon was pronounced dead at the scene.

Family Remembers a Joyful Child

Simon’s grandfather, Jason Small, described him as a joyful, energetic child who loved school and spending time with his family.

“Simon loved life. He loved to just be on the go,” Small said. “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 Ongoing

Officials said one other student was on the Bonny Eagle School District bus at the time of the crash. Sheriff Kevin Joyce confirmed that the student on the bus was Simon’s half-brother.

The incident remains under investigation by the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, the Maine State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit, and the Maine State Police Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Unit. Authorities have not yet released the cause of the crash.

School District Response

Bonny Eagle Superintendent Clay Gleason announced that Edna Libby Elementary School dismissed students at 11:30 a.m. to allow families time together and provide staff support. All afterschool activities were canceled, though other district schools continued their regular schedules.

“The immediate focus is on supporting the family, and students and staff at Edna Libby,” Gleason said, urging the public to avoid speculation or assigning blame on social media.

Counselors were made available to students and staff following the incident.

Road Closure

A mile-long stretch of Route 35, between Route 114 and Moody Road, was closed for approximately three hours while investigators worked at the scene.

School officials said additional information regarding any changes to upcoming school days will be shared once plans are finalized.