Newark, Delaware — The Newark community is grieving the sudden loss of Wanda Montalvo, 54, of Wilmington, who tragically died Thursday morning while performing a routine emergency drill outside Gauger Cobbs Middle School, authorities confirmed.
According to the Delaware State Police, the incident occurred around 7 a.m. as Montalvo was preparing to conduct an emergency evacuation drill behind her school bus. For reasons still under investigation, a second bus drifted forward and struck her. Emergency responders found her unresponsive and in cardiac arrest. Despite immediate medical attention, she was later pronounced dead at the hospital.
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The driver of the second bus, a 53-year-old woman from New Castle, was unharmed. At the time of the accident, 48 students were on board the buses, with only minor injuries reported that did not require hospitalization. The buses were part of the Academia Antonia Alonso program.
Montalvo’s family described her as a devoted mother, grandmother, and school bus worker who loved the children in her care. Her son, Roberto Pagan, said, “She loved them kids. Every time I’d call her, she’d be at the bus stop picking up the kids, always smiling. She was a good mom, good grandmom, and loved her job.”
Video footage captured by Chopper 6 showed police surrounding the buses, with visible damage to the rear emergency door of one vehicle.
The Christina School District expressed condolences and assured the community of its commitment to supporting students and staff, stating: “Our thoughts are with the driver and their family. Keeping everyone safe and cared for is our top priority.”
The Delaware State Police Collision Reconstruction Unit continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident to determine how this tragic incident occurred.
Wanda Montalvo will be remembered for her dedication, warmth, and love for the children she transported each day, leaving a lasting impact on all who knew her.