Bus driver sentenced for fatal crash that killed elderly man

Montrell Pharm fell asleep at the wheel, running over and killing Robert Clemons, 79, in front of his grandson

Mar. 13, 2026 at 11:52am

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A Milwaukee bus driver named Montrell Pharm was sentenced to two years in prison after he fell asleep at the wheel and ran over an elderly pedestrian, Robert Clemons, 79, killing him in front of his grandson on Christmas Day 2024. Video footage from the bus showed Pharm dozing off before the crash, which also injured Clemons' grandson.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the dangers of driver fatigue and the need for stronger regulations and oversight to ensure public transportation operators are well-rested and attentive behind the wheel. It also raises questions about the working conditions and scheduling practices at the Milwaukee County Transit System that may have contributed to the driver's exhaustion.

The details

According to the report, Pharm told police he had been working 14-hour days since the previous Monday and had only 6 hours of sleep the night before the accident. Footage from the bus showed Pharm sleeping or closing his eyes while the bus was in motion. The video captured the moment the bus crashed into a line of parked cars and then struck Clemons and his grandson, who were fixing their truck on the side of the road. Clemons was dragged under the bus and died at the scene, while his grandson suffered a broken arm and leg.

  • The incident occurred around 11 p.m. on Christmas Day 2024.
  • Pharm pleaded no contest to the charges on January 20, 2026.

The players

Montrell Pharm

A 53-year-old former Milwaukee County Transit System bus driver who was sentenced to two years in prison for the fatal crash.

Robert Clemons

A 79-year-old pedestrian who was killed when Pharm's bus ran him over while he was fixing his truck on the side of the road.

Milwaukee County Transit System

The public transportation agency that employed Pharm as a bus driver.

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What they’re saying

“There aren't enough words to say to begin to heal your pain. I pray and sincerely ask for your forgiveness. This was an unintentional accident.”

— Montrell Pharm

What’s next

The judge will determine if Pharm will be allowed to serve his sentence on work release or home detention due to his age and lack of prior criminal history.

The takeaway

This tragic incident underscores the critical importance of ensuring public transportation operators are well-rested and attentive behind the wheel to prevent such devastating accidents. It also raises questions about the working conditions and scheduling practices at transit agencies that may contribute to driver fatigue and compromise public safety.