CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — The family of a student killed in a school bus crash on Highway 70 in Carroll County has filed a lawsuit against the Clarksville-Montgomery County School System and the bus driver.
On March 27, the crash involved multiple vehicles, resulting in the deaths of two middle school students and injuries to several others. According to video obtained by FOX 17 News, the school bus crossed the double yellow line, colliding with a Tennessee Department of Transportation (TDOT) truck, which subsequently caught fire. The bus then veered off the road and struck a tree.
John and Jessica Davis, parents of 17-year-old Zoe Davis, who died in the incident, allege negligence by both the school system and bus driver Sabrina R. Ducksworth. They claim Ducksworth was fatigued and distracted during the crash. Ducksworth's family has suggested she may have suffered a medical emergency, although this has not been verified by the Tennessee Highway Patrol or the National Transportation Safety Board, both of whom are investigating the accident.
The lawsuit asserts that CMCSS failed in its hiring and training of Ducksworth and did not conduct proper background checks. A school spokesperson confirmed that Ducksworth had no prior disciplinary actions in her file and stated they are cooperating with ongoing investigations.
The family is seeking damages, with non-economic damages capped at $5 million under Tennessee law, excluding legal costs. CMCSS has declined to comment due to pending litigation.
This remains a developing story. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.