Fatal School Bus Accident in Winter Haven, FL, on October 05, 2026

Two people died in a four-vehicle school bus crash in Winter Haven on Monday morning, October 5, 2026, according to the Polk County Sheriff's Office. Sheriff Grady Judd said a Chevrolet Malibu crossed a double yellow line and struck the bus near its rear wheels. The collision pushed the bus across the road into a westbound Jeep. A Kia Forte also hit the back of the Malibu. The Jeep driver who died was identified as DeShawn Smith, 26, of Haines City. Judd said Smith was heading to work and driving below the speed limit. The other person killed was Adina Luis Prieto Boyola, a 10th-grade student at Winter Haven High School. School officials said she had been scheduled to attend her first cheerleading practice that day. The bus overturned, trapping its injured driver. Judd said she freed herself and began helping students despite her injuries. There were 37 students aboard, along with the driver and her 9-year-old daughter. Fire and EMS crews transported 35 people to four hospitals. Authorities reported that three people remained hospitalized and were expected to recover fully. The Kia driver suffered minor injuries and was taken to a hospital. The extent of the bus driver's injuries was not specified. The sheriff's office released dashcam footage showing the aftermath of the collision as investigators continued examining what led the Malibu to cross into oncoming traffic. The Malibu driver was cooperating with investigators, according to authorities. Judd said investigators did not believe she intentionally caused the crash. The investigation remained ongoing, and the available information did not identify the roadway where the collision occurred.