Email Says Bus Staff Failed to Secure Cincinnati Student

Talla, who was nonverbal and had cerebral palsy and developmental disabilities, was riding home from Roselawn Condon School when she became unresponsive. The Hamilton County coroner ruled her death accidental and attributed it to positional asphyxiation. An autopsy described her sliding off her wheelchair seat as she moved, leaving the belt pressing against her neck and chin.

In an email sent to the school board on the day she died, Cincinnati Public Schools Superintendent Shauna Murphy said First Student’s chief executive had told her that the driver and bus monitor had not fastened Talla correctly. First Student confirmed the conversation occurred but said the superintendent’s account did not reflect the circumstances or the coroner’s later findings. The company said the facts were not yet established when they spoke.

Talla’s family found her unresponsive after the bus arrived at their home and remained outside for several minutes. Her sister said the family had to call emergency services. The autopsy noted a delay before emergency services were contacted.

Cincinnati Public Schools said a thorough review was needed to establish what happened and that the board would not reach conclusions before that process was complete. First Student said it was deeply saddened by Talla’s death. The driver and school staff have not faced criminal charges.