Georgia School Bus Driver Killed in ‘Tragic’ Parking Lot Accident

A 66-year-old bus driver for a private school in Georgia died Friday in what officials have described as a “tragic accident.”

The driver, identified as Sandra Goodman, was parked at Landmark Christian School in Fairburn, when she experienced an issue with her bus’s emergency brake, Jason McMaster, the head of the school, told School Bus Fleet.

When Goodman proceeded to get out of the vehicle to check what was wrong, McMaster said the bus unexpectedly rolled forward, leaving her caught underneath.

Goodman, who came out of retirement two years ago to work was a part-time driver for Landmark, was described by McMaster as a “great staff member” who “took full advantage of being a part of every kids life.”

Prior to joining Landmark, Goodman spent 30 years as a bus driver for Fulton County Schools, where her husband, Ray, currently works as a bus driver.

“We’re praying for Ray and the rest of their family,” McMaster added. “We will continue to support them and our staff during this difficult time.”

The Georgia State Patrol and Department of Transportation were called to the scene on Friday to conduct independent inspections of the vehicle, however, no mechanical issues were found. McMaster said it was later determined that Goodman left the bus in gear before stepping off. No students were on board the bus at the time.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to support Goodman's family. As of press time, the page has exceeded its $10,000 fundraising goal.