Surviving Family Members Of A New Jersey Teacher File A Wrongful Death Suit
The Houston Chronicle reports that the surviving family members of a New Jersey teacher who was killed in a crash involving a school bus and a dump truck have filed a wrongful death suit.
Court documents filed last month on behalf of the family names the drivers of both vehicles and the state and local governments in the lawsuit regarding the death of Jennifer Williamson-Kennedy, a 51-year old social studies teacher, that occurred in May of 2018. The lawsuit alleges recklessness, carelessness, and negligence.
Also killed in the crash was a fifth grade student, Miranda Vargas. Dozens of students who were aboard the bus at the time of the crash were also injured.
The crash happened in May 2018 along Route 80 near Mount Olive, New Jersey during a school field trip. Investigators say that the bus driver, Hudy Muldrow, missed the exit. While attempting to make an illegal U-turn, the bus was struck by a dump truck with enough force to separate the bus from its undercarriage.
The bus was carrying 38 fifth-grade students and seven adults from East Brook Middle School in Paramus. Everyone on the bus suffered injuries ranging from minor to critical.
According to New Jersey.com, the lawsuit claims that Muldrow’s driving record indicates 16 previous speeding and moving violations and 14 license suspensions. In December 2019, Muldrow pleaded guilty to reckless vehicular homicide, assault by auto, and child endangerment. In February, Muldrow was sentenced to 10 years in prison and two years suspended license.