STANDISH, Maine — The story of Simon Gonzalez, a lively and joyful 5-year-old boy, turned to tragedy this week when he was struck and killed by a school bus. His death has sent ripples of grief through his family, friends, and the community of Standish, Maine.

Simon’s grandfather, Jason Small, spoke candidly about the unimaginable pain the family is enduring, and how they are coping with the loss of a child who was not only loved deeply but was full of life.

Simon, a kindergartner, was tragically killed on Tuesday, December 12, when he was struck by a school bus just half a mile from his school, Edna Libby Elementary.

The impact of the crash left Simon unresponsive, and despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

“I took down all the Christmas ornaments. I took the Christmas tree down,” Jason Small, Simon’s grandfather, said, speaking to the emotional toll the loss has taken. “It’s just, we couldn’t do it mentally.”

The tragedy has left the family in shock, struggling to process the loss and find a way to say goodbye to a boy who brought so much joy into their lives.

Simon’s love for life was clear to everyone who knew him. He had a passion for outdoor activities such as camping, snowmobiling, and ice fishing, and he even found joy in helping with mundane tasks like mowing the lawn.

His grandfather recalled, “He was a lifesaver that I needed from destroying myself. He was my sidekick.”

But despite his bright and adventurous spirit, Simon’s life was cut short in a cruel twist of fate.

The Accident: A Family’s Worst Nightmare

The accident occurred on the afternoon of December 12, when Simon was on his way home from school. He was waiting near the bus stop, just a short distance from his home, when the school bus, which was driven by a 64-year-old woman, hit him.

 At the time, Simon’s half-brother was also on the bus but was not physically harmed in the incident.

The bus driver, whose name has not been released, was placed on administrative leave as part of the standard procedure during the ongoing investigation.

 The Cumberland County Sheriff’s Office has stated that no charges have been filed against the bus driver at this time, but the investigation remains active.

In the days following the tragic accident, Simon’s family struggled with the sheer weight of what had occurred.

His grandfather spoke about how he had tried to protect Simon, how he felt responsible for his safety, but ultimately felt helpless in the face of such a sudden, horrific loss.

The Aftermath: Grieving and Advocacy

In the wake of Simon’s death, the Gonzalez family is left grappling with grief and devastation. The shock of losing Simon, especially in such a violent and sudden manner, has left them feeling adrift.

Jason Small recalled how the family tried to carry on with their traditions, even as they faced the heart-wrenching reality of Simon’s death.

“We won’t be celebrating Christmas this year,” he said, explaining how the loss overshadowed the festive spirit. The family has been forced to navigate life without Simon, a boy who had been the light of their lives.

As the family comes to terms with their grief, they are also pushing for change. The circumstances surrounding Simon’s death have led them to call for stricter regulations surrounding school buses to prevent future tragedies.

The family is advocating for a bill that would improve the safety of school buses in Maine and beyond, ensuring that no other family has to go through what they have endured.

“We need to make sure that they get to go home to their family for Christmas,” Jason Small said, speaking about the urgency of ensuring that school buses are safer for children across the nation.

His words reflect the deep desire to honor Simon’s memory by creating lasting change that could save other children’s lives.

The Call for Safer School Buses

Simon’s tragic death has sparked conversations about how school buses can be made safer for children. Family friend Alishia Sessions has joined the call for action, expressing a hope that Simon’s death will serve as a catalyst for change.

“There needs to be a change not just in Maine, but the whole United States,” Sessions said. “I’m hoping we can get it passed in Maine to create stricter requirements for buses. We need to do the work to make sure they are safe.”

The family’s request for safer school buses goes beyond just their own grief. They want to ensure that children in Maine, and across the nation, have the protection they deserve when traveling to and from school.

 They are working tirelessly to raise awareness and advocate for legislation that would improve the standards for school bus safety, including better safety features and more thorough driver training.

The Community’s Reaction: Outpouring of Support

In the wake of Simon’s death, the community has rallied around his family, offering support, condolences, and love. The grief felt by Simon’s family is shared by the community, as people who knew Simon reflect on his lively spirit and the impact he had on those around him.

Simon’s classmates, teachers, and neighbors are all mourning the loss of a young boy who brought joy to their lives.

Memorials and vigils have been organized to honor Simon’s memory, and many are coming together to support the family during this difficult time.