KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — An autopsy on a school bus driver involved in a fatal accident here in December shows that he died later of natural causes, but was on several prescription medications at the time of his death in June, Knoxville News Sentinel reports.
James Davenport drove his bus into another school bus, killing two students and a teacher’s aide. He was injured, but survived the crash. However, he was found dead of natural causes at his home on June 2. He was driving while distracted at the time of the accident, and authorities have said he was sending and receiving text messages, according to the newspaper.
Autopsy results show that Davenport had morphine and oxycodone in his bloodstream, which he was taking under a physician’s prescription, the newspaper reports. A medical examiner wrote that the toxicology report at the time of his death shows his blood had “therapeutic concentrations” of several prescription medications.Toxicology reports from the crash showed that he did not have drugs in his system at the time, according to Knoxville News Sentinel.
Davenport said he took the pain pills as needed for a back injury, and his phone showed numerous calendar appointments at a pain clinic, according to the newspaper. The autopsy also said that multiple health issues, including hypertension, obstructive pulmonary disease and morbid obesity, contributed to Davenport’s death, Knoxville News Sentinel reports.
To read the full story, go here.
More details on school bus driver in Tennessee crash
Autopsy results show that James Davenport, who was injured in the crash, died later of natural causes but was on several medications at the time of his death. However, earlier toxicology reports showed that he did not have drugs in his system at the time of the crash.
More Safety

Florida District Relaunches BusPatrol School Bus Camera Program With New Safeguards
After being suspended over due process concerns, Miami-Dade schools and law enforcement are restarting the AI-powered stop-arm camera program with new oversight.
Read More →
School Bus Laws To Watch: Seat Belt Bills, Funding Fights & EV Changes
From national bills on seat belts and driver oversight to driver awareness campaigns referencing “Finn’s Rule” and ongoing transportation funding debates in Alaska, here’s the latest in school bus legislation across the U.S.
Read More →
9-Year-Old Boy Killed by School Bus at Busy Brooklyn Intersection
A Williamsburg community is mourning after a child was fatally struck by a private yeshiva bus, prompting calls for urgent safety improvements at the high-traffic crossing.
Read More →
Does Reliable School Transportation Boost Attendance? EverDriven’s Data Says Yes
The new data shows 99.99% incident-free trips and strong on-time performance, reinforcing how dependable transportation, especially for vulnerable student populations, can help districts combat chronic absenteeism.
Read More →
What Data Shows About Student Transportation in 2026
Driver shortages, safety expectations, and staffing limits define student transportation in 2026. New survey data shows how fleet leaders are responding.
Read More →
NTSB Calls for Alcohol Impairment Systems, Seat Belts After W.V. Crash Investigation
The federal agency's report asks NHTSA to require all new school buses to be equipped with vehicle-integrated alcohol detection systems and passenger lap-shoulder belts.
Read More →
2026 State of Student Transportation Report
Student transportation teams are being asked to do more with less, facing driver shortages, rising costs, and increasing safety expectations. This report uncovers how fleets are adapting, where technology is making the biggest impact, and why student ridership tracking is emerging as a top priority. Download the report to explore the key trends shaping 2026 and what they mean for your operation.
Read More →
2 Students Die in Tennessee School Bus Crash with Dump Truck
A Carroll County accident claimed the lives of two students and injured over a dozen others on a March 27 field trip for eighth graders at Clarksville-Montgomery County. A preliminary report adds new information to the story.
Read More →
School Bus Laws To Watch: Driver Shortages, EV Debates & Safety Upgrades
From driver shortage solutions in Tennessee and rural connectivity debates in Utah to new safety laws in Wisconsin and ongoing electric bus mandate discussions in New York and Connecticut, here’s the latest in school bus legislation across the U.S.
Read More →
Senate Report: Autonomous Car Companies Hiding Reliance on Remote Operators
Waymo’s self-driving vehicles are under fire again after repeated school bus passing violations, raising questions about safety, remote operators, and regulation.
Read More →

