The grandfather of a young boy killed in a tragic school bus accident in Standish this week is pleading with the public to cherish every moment with their loved ones and pushing for changes to prevent similar losses in the future.
(5-Year-Old Simon Gonzalez who passed in Standish, Maine bus accident)
Jason Small spoke openly about his grief after his 5-year-old grandson, Simon Gonzalez, was struck and killed by a school bus on Tuesday morning near Edna Libby Elementary School. Small’s emotional remarks highlighted the suddenness of the loss and the deep impact it has had on his family during what should be a joyful holiday season.
“Hug them a little tighter, kiss them good night… because you just do not know when that time’s not going to come back,” Small said, urging caregivers to hold their children close following the devastating accident.
Small described Simon as a happy and adventurous child who loved activities like snowmobiling, camping and ice fishing, and who was eager to begin his school journey. The grandfather said that in the wake of his grandson’s death, he has taken down Christmas decorations and will not celebrate the holiday this year.
The crash, which occurred just before 8 a.m. less than half a mile from the elementary school, has prompted both community mourning and calls for improved safety measures on school buses. Small and other family supporters said they want to see enhanced protections — including possible cameras, sensors or additional monitoring — installed on school buses to ensure children’s safety nationwide.
Authorities, including the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office and Maine State Police, are investigating the circumstances of the accident. While the identity of the bus driver has been released and no charges have been filed as the probe continues, local leaders have acknowledged the profound grief felt by families and the broader community.
Students at Edna Libby Elementary were dismissed early on the day of the crash, and counselors have been made available to support classmates and staff as they process the tragedy.
The loss of Simon — and the public appeal from his grandfather — have sparked ongoing conversations about how to prevent such accidents in the future, with advocates calling for legislative action and school districts to review safety protocols for children boarding and exiting school buses.
