On a somber Saturday afternoon, the Standish community gathered to honor the life of 5-year-old Simon Gonzalez. The vigil took place at the town fishing pier, drawing over 130 attendees, including family and friends. Many wore yellow, Simon’s favorite color, while others carried items adorned with his beloved superhero, Spiderman.
Tragic Incident and Community Response
Simon was tragically struck and killed by a school bus on Tuesday morning. This incident marked the second school bus-related fatality in Maine this year, sending shockwaves throughout the community. Jessica Putnam, a family friend, organized the vigil to commemorate Simon and raise awareness for school crossing safety.
Support from the Community
Attendees shared their grief and support. Simon’s aunt, Sara McLean, recalled him as a joyful boy. She expressed gratitude for the community’s outpouring of support, noting that members from Edna Libby Elementary School, where Simon was a kindergartener, also attended the vigil.
- Kari Poirier, an educational technician at the school, emphasized the touching support from the community.
- Superintendent Clay Gleason acknowledged the deep impact of this tragedy on the Bonny Eagle community.
Family and Advocacy for Safety
The vigil was particularly poignant for Simon’s grandfather, Jason Small. He shared memories of ice fishing trips with Simon and expressed a desire to advocate for bus safety improvements. Small emphasized the necessity for measures such as human monitors on buses to prevent future tragedies.
In a united effort, three state lawmakers are pursuing legislation to mandate the use of crossing arms on school buses. This push comes after a report highlighted that the crossing arm on a bus involved in a previous accident was not in operation.
Investigation into the Crash
The fatal incident is currently under investigation by the Maine State Police, the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office, and the National Transportation Safety Board. Sheriff Kevin Joyce assured the public that the investigation would be thorough and take time. Both bus drivers remain uncharged, and Small expressed compassion for the driver involved, highlighting that the situation is unfair for everyone.
Conclusion
As the vigil concluded, the crowd sang “Amazing Grace,” and yellow balloons were released into the sky, symbolizing the love and memories held for Simon Gonzalez. This tragic event has left an indelible mark on the Standish community, prompting calls for enhanced safety measures to prevent future loss.
