Wanda Montalvo Newark, DE Death and Obituary – A tragic incident in Newark, Delaware, claimed the life of 54-year-old Wanda Montalvo, a beloved school bus driver from Wilmington. The accident occurred during a routine school bus evacuation drill at Gauger-Cobbs Middle School on Gender Road around 7 a.m. on Wednesday, October 23, 2025. Authorities confirmed that Montalvo was fatally injured after being struck and pinned between two school buses.
According to reports from the Delaware State Police, the accident happened as part of a scheduled emergency evacuation drill involving two school buses. Montalvo, who was conducting safety procedures with students, was standing outside one of the buses when a second bus, driven by a 53-year-old woman, unexpectedly rolled forward for reasons that remain under investigation. The moving bus struck Montalvo, trapping her between the two vehicles.
Emergency personnel arrived quickly and found Montalvo unresponsive on the ground. She was transported to Christiana Hospital, where medical teams worked to save her life. Despite their efforts, she went into cardiac arrest and was later pronounced dead.
At the time of the accident, 48 students were aboard the buses participating in the drill. Thankfully, none of the children sustained serious injuries, and no hospitalizations were required. The other driver involved in the incident was not injured, according to police reports.
The Delaware State Police Troop 2 Collision Reconstruction Unit has taken over the investigation to determine the exact cause of the crash. Officials are examining whether a mechanical malfunction, human error, or other contributing factors led to the unexpected movement of the second bus. The Christina School District has stated that it is cooperating fully with investigators to ensure transparency and safety in future training exercises.
The district also temporarily suspended all evacuation drills pending the results of the investigation. Officials emphasized that safety procedures will be reviewed to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The death of Wanda Montalvo has left a deep impact on her family, colleagues, and the wider school community. Her loved ones describe her as a devoted mother, grandmother, and dedicated bus driver who genuinely cared about the children she transported each day. Montalvo was known for her cheerful attitude, strong work ethic, and commitment to student safety.
The Christina School District released a statement expressing condolences to her family and offering counseling and emotional support to students, staff, and parents affected by the loss. “Wanda was a valued member of our transportation team,” the statement read. “Her kindness and dedication touched the lives of many.”
As the investigation continues, the Newark and Wilmington communities are mourning a woman remembered for her service and compassion. Vigils and tributes have been planned to honor Montalvo’s life and contributions.