Clarksville Mourns Victims of Fatal School Bus Crash

Two students killed, multiple injured in three-vehicle collision on Highway 70 near Huntingdon

Mar. 31, 2026 at 2:38am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up photograph of a damaged school bus part, such as a cracked window or dented panel, lit by a harsh, direct camera flash against a pitch-black background, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of the tragic school bus crash in Clarksville.The aftermath of the fatal school bus crash in Clarksville exposes the tragic consequences of transportation accidents and the need for thorough investigations.Clarksville Today

A Clarksville-Montgomery County School System bus carrying students and staff to a competition was involved in a fatal crash on March 27, resulting in the deaths of two young students, Arianna Pearson and Zoe Davis. The Tennessee Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision, which also left multiple individuals hospitalized. The Clarksville community has come together to support the affected families and first responders during this tragic time.

Why it matters

The fatal bus crash has devastated the Clarksville-Montgomery County community, highlighting the importance of school transportation safety and the need for thorough investigations to determine the cause of such tragic incidents. The community's response in providing support services and honoring the victims underscores the tight-knit nature of the area and the desire to come together in times of crisis.

The details

According to the Tennessee Highway Patrol, the crash involved a CMCSS school bus, a Tennessee Department of Transportation dump truck, and a Chevrolet Trailblazer. The bus was carrying two dozen students, five adults, and the driver, Sabrina R. Ducksworth, when the collision occurred on Highway 70 near Huntingdon. Students Arianna Pearson and Zoe Davis were pronounced dead at the scene, while multiple other individuals were transported to area hospitals, some by medical helicopter. The Tennessee Highway Patrol's Critical Incident Response Team and Pupil Transportation Division are investigating the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the crash.

  • The crash occurred on Friday, March 27 at around noon.
  • On Monday, March 30, the Tennessee Highway Patrol provided an update on the investigation.
  • Flags at all Montgomery County and City of Clarksville government offices and facilities will be lowered to half-staff through Friday, April 3 in memory of the two students.

The players

Sabrina R. Ducksworth

The driver of the CMCSS school bus involved in the crash.

Dennis E. Colemen Jr.

The driver of the Tennessee Department of Transportation dump truck involved in the crash.

James Bays

The driver of the Chevrolet Trailblazer involved in the crash.

Arianna Pearson

One of the two students who tragically lost their lives in the crash.

Zoe Davis

One of the two students who tragically lost their lives in the crash.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We had seven different helicopters come in. We've shipped patients from Memphis to Nashville, and hospitals in between.”

— Andy Dickson, Carroll County Sheriff

“They witnessed something today that they will carry for the rest of their lives.”

— Andy Dickson, Carroll County Sheriff

“My heart is with the family of the person(s) who lost their life, those who were injured, and the entire Kenwood Middle School community as they face this tragedy.”

— Ronnie Glynn, State Representative

What’s next

The Tennessee Highway Patrol's Critical Incident Response Team and Pupil Transportation Division will continue their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash, with the goal of determining the cause and preventing similar tragedies in the future.

The takeaway

This devastating crash has deeply impacted the Clarksville-Montgomery County community, highlighting the importance of school transportation safety and the need for thorough investigations to prevent such tragedies. The community's outpouring of support for the affected families and first responders underscores the resilience and compassion of the local residents during this difficult time.