STANDISH, Maine — The quiet winter morning turned tragic Tuesday when 5-year-old kindergarten student Simon Gonzalez was struck and killed by a school bus just blocks from Edna Libby Elementary School, sending shockwaves through this close-knit community.
It was just before 8 a.m. on Northeast Road, part of Route 35, when the Bonny Eagle School District bus collided with Simon less than half a mile from his school. The scene quickly became the focus of emergency crews, but despite their efforts, Simon was pronounced dead at the site.
Simon had boarded the bus that morning with other students — including his half-brother, the only other child on board at the time, according to the Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office. Officials have not yet released details on exactly how the crash occurred, and the investigation is ongoing with assistance from state police crash reconstruction and commercial vehicle enforcement units.
Family and friends describe Simon as a joyful, spirited boy who lit up every room he entered. His grandfather, Jason Small, spoke with deep sorrow about his grandson’s loving nature and boundless energy, saying Simon “loved life” and was always ready for school and family adventures. The loss has left his family and neighbors struggling to grasp such sudden heartbreak.
In the aftermath, school officials moved quickly to support students and staff. Edna Libby Elementary released students early at 11:30 a.m. so families could be together, and counselors were made available to help children navigate their grief. Other schools in the MSAD 6 district continued regular hours, though all after-school activities were canceled for the day. Superintendent Clay Gleason urged the community to keep the family in their thoughts and avoid speculation on social media, emphasizing support over blame as the district mourns.
Neighbors and parents have expressed shock and sorrow, with many struggling to reconcile the safety they expect around schools with the reality of this tragedy. Some point to the heavy traffic and busy intersections near campus, while others are simply trying to make sense of the unthinkable.
As investigations continue and the community grieves, Simon’s story has become a somber reminder of how fragile life can be — and how deeply one young child’s laughter and presence can be felt. In Standish, Simon’s memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew him and in the collective hope that no family will have to endure such a loss again.
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