AUBURN, Ala. — Nearly a year after a fatal crash involving an Auburn City Schools bus, a 75-year-old school bus driver is now facing homicide charges as questions continue to surround what happened behind the wheel that morning.
Theresa McCloud was indicted by a Lee County grand jury and arrested Thursday, Sept. 3, in connection with the Nov. 18, 2025, crash, according to reports from AL.com.
Police said McCloud was driving an Auburn City School bus shortly after 8 a.m. near East University Drive when the bus crashed into a passenger vehicle.
The collision killed Jennifer Leigh Cooper, 42, a local mother who was also known in the community as the owner of Gigi’s Cupcakes.
McCloud now faces charges of homicide by vehicle and criminally negligent homicide as the legal process moves forward.
Supporters Say Driver Suffered Medical Crisis
Following McCloud’s arrest, her family and supporters have offered a different explanation for what led to the crash.
They say McCloud experienced a sudden low blood sugar episode while driving that caused her to become confused and lose consciousness.
A now-deleted GoFundMe described the alleged medical emergency, claiming McCloud’s blood sugar dropped to 23 mg/dL while she was behind the wheel.
“Theresa’s blood sugar suddenly dropped to 23 mg/dL while driving, causing confusion and loss of consciousness,” her supporters wrote.
They also claimed that McCloud had never experienced a low blood sugar episode before and that doctors had confirmed she had suffered a medical crisis.
The fundraiser was created to help with McCloud’s legal expenses, but GoFundMe later confirmed that it had been removed because the platform’s terms prohibit fundraisers for the legal defense of someone charged with a violent crime.
Civil Lawsuit Raises Additional Questions
While McCloud’s supporters have emphasized a medical emergency, a separate civil lawsuit filed by Cooper’s husband raises other allegations about the circumstances surrounding the crash.
The lawsuit, filed against McCloud and the Auburn City Schools Board of Education, alleges that McCloud had diabetes and had been prescribed opiates shortly before the crash.
According to the complaint, McCloud allegedly told Auburn City Schools supervisors that she did not feel well enough to work on the day of the accident. The lawsuit also claims she had received a prescription for opiates two days earlier after visiting a doctor.
Cooper’s family’s attorneys allege that the medication carried a warning about driving while taking it.
The complaint further alleges that McCloud was instructed to pick up elementary school students but instead attempted to drop them off at Auburn High School before leaving the high school for the elementary school.
According to the lawsuit, McCloud lost control of the bus at approximately 8:04 a.m. The complaint alleges that her condition and/or medication may have impaired her ability to operate the vehicle.
McCloud’s Family Disputes Allegations
McCloud’s supporters have strongly disputed the allegations contained in the civil lawsuit.
In the deleted fundraiser, they maintained that the driver had never previously experienced a low blood sugar episode and described the incident as an unexpected medical emergency.
The fundraiser said the case was about ensuring McCloud had an opportunity to defend herself and proceed through the legal process.
The competing accounts mean the circumstances surrounding the crash remain a key issue as the criminal case moves forward.
Cooper’s Family Trusts Justice System
For Jennifer Cooper’s family, the arrest represents an important development, although it cannot undo the loss.
Attorneys representing Cooper’s estate said the family is placing its faith in the justice system.
“We understand that there has been an arrest in connection with the tragic incident that took Jennifer’s life,” attorney Royal Dumas told. “The arrest is an important development in the legal process.”
Dumas added that nothing will bring Jennifer back, while asking the community to continue supporting her family.
The attorneys also urged people to remember families who send children onto school buses each morning trusting that the driver is fit to operate the vehicle.
McCloud Remains in Jail on Bond
McCloud is currently being held in the Lee County Jail on a $12,000 bond.
As the criminal case continues, authorities and attorneys will have the opportunity to address the competing claims surrounding the crash, including the alleged medical emergency and allegations involving medication.
The case remains ongoing, and the allegations against McCloud have not been proven in court.
What do you think about the competing claims surrounding this tragic school bus crash? Share your thoughts in the comments below.