FLORENCE, Miss. — A Rankin County school bus driver died following a crash involving a school bus and a tractor-trailer on Highway 49.
The collision occurred at approximately 6:43 a.m. on Monday near Eagle Post Road, according to Florence Police. Authorities confirmed that no students were on the bus at the time of the incident.
The driver, identified as 79-year-old Alex “Buddy” Cooper, was announced deceased by his son, Gabe Cooper, through a social media post.
Authorities are currently investigating the crash, and details on any potential lane closures or additional vehicles involved are forthcoming. The family has requested donations to The Little Lighthouse in lieu of flowers and will announce a celebration of life in the future.