Bus driver hailed hero after fatal Polk County bus crash that killed 2, including high school student

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - A Polk County school bus driver is being hailed a hero following a head-on crash involving a Polk County school bus, a car and a Jeep. Two people lost their lives, including a 10th grade Winter Haven High School student, and dozens were hospitalized after the crash on Monday morning.

Polk County school bus crash

What we know:

A Polk County school bus carrying 37 students, a driver and her 9-year-old child was hit after a white Chevy Malibu crossed the double yellow line, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Investigators said the impact tore off a tire and forced the bus into oncoming traffic, where it struck a Jeep head-on. 

The driver of the Jeep, 26-year-old Deshawn Smith, died at the scene. Adinaluz Prieto Oyola, a 10th-grade student at Winter Haven High School who was on the bus, also lost her life. 

Smith was reportedly on his way to work Monday morning at the time of the crash.

"There was absolutely nothing he could do to avoid it," Sheriff Grady Judd said. "It was the blink of the eye and the crash occurred."

A fourth vehicle, a Kia Forte, was involved in the crash. Investigators say the Kia Forte hit the Chevy Malibu from behind after it hit the bus, and the driver of that Kia Forte went to the hospital with minor injuries.

What we don't know:

Authorities do not yet know why the driver of the Malibu drifted over the center line into oncoming traffic. Blood draw results are still pending, but investigators said they did not see signs of impairment. 

Bus driver praised for heroics

What they're saying:

Judd said bus driver Jessica Dye, 34, was pinned in the vehicle but pulled herself out to immediately help the children on board. Polk County Superintendent Fred Heid called Dye a hero for maintaining her composure and keeping focus on the students throughout the traumatic event. 

Judd says the crash happened in the blink of an eye. He says the bus driver was going under the speed limit and did nothing wrong.

"And even though she was involved in a horrific crash and a head-on crash and was pinned in the vehicle, she immediately rushed to the aid of the children just as soon as she could get out," Judd said.

Heid also highlighted students and good Samaritans who rushed to help. Video captured four students trying to rescue Prieto Oyola from the bus, with one young man telling her, "Don't worry, I won't leave you." 

Heid says Prieto Oyola previously attended Lake Alfred Polytech Academy before Winter Haven High School.

"An amazing young lady in every account," Heid said. "Teachers loved her, friends loved her. Yesterday was to be her first day of cheerleading practice."

Valeria Garcia used to go to school with Prieto Oyola and was heartbroken when she heard the news about the crash.

"If you would have met her, you would fall in love with her," Garcia said. "Her funny personality, her always being there, even if you're having the worst day."

Investigation into fatal wreck

What's next:

Investigators said the 23-year-old driver of the Malibu, Maria Jimenez, cooperated fully with investigators and provided her phone and a voluntary blood sample. Sheriff Judd said a lengthy investigation is still underway and Jimenez will likely face traffic citations for crossing the center line, but no criminal charges are expected unless new evidence emerges. 

"She was not using the cellphone at that moment in time, and quite frankly, she has been totally cooperative with us," Judd said. "Blood draws, statements, everything, and quite frankly, she can't explain why she drifted over the line either."

As of Tuesday morning, three students remain hospitalized but are expected to recover. Donations to assist the families with funeral expenses can be made through Polk Sheriff's Charities. 

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