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Heartbreak on I-64: Community Mourns as School Bus Driver Dies in Tragic Crash, Students Injured

  • Nishadil
  • September 26, 2025
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Heartbreak on I-64: Community Mourns as School Bus Driver Dies in Tragic Crash, Students Injured

LOUISA COUNTY – A pall of grief and concern has settled over Louisa County following a devastating collision on Interstate 64 that claimed the life of a beloved school bus driver and sent eleven students to the hospital. The horrific incident, which unfolded early Thursday morning, has triggered a comprehensive investigation and united the community in sorrow and support.

The tragedy struck at approximately 7:25 a.m.

near the 136-mile marker on eastbound I-64, just east of the Route 208 exit. Virginia State Police reported that a 2018 International school bus, carrying 25 students from Louisa County High School and Louisa Middle School, was abruptly rear-ended by a tractor-trailer. The impact was severe, instantly transforming a routine morning commute into a scene of chaos and despair.

The victim, identified as 58-year-old David Glenn Shifflett of Louisa, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Shifflett, a dedicated member of the Louisa County Public Schools transportation team for a decade, was more than just a bus driver; he was a familiar, comforting presence for the students on his route. His untimely death has left a profound void in the hearts of his colleagues, students, and the wider community.

Eleven students aboard the bus sustained injuries, ranging from minor to serious, and were rushed to various medical facilities, including UVA Medical Center, Martha Jefferson Hospital, and Chippenham Hospital.

The immediate aftermath saw a rapid deployment of emergency services, with first responders working diligently to assess injuries and provide aid. Fortunately, none of the students' injuries were initially reported as life-threatening, a small comfort amidst the overwhelming grief.

The driver of the tractor-trailer, George William Johnson, 35, of Spotsylvania, has been charged by Virginia State Police with reckless driving and following too closely.

Authorities stated that Johnson failed to slow down for traffic that had already reduced speed on the interstate, leading directly to the catastrophic collision. The ongoing investigation will delve deeper into the circumstances surrounding the crash, with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) also dispatching a team to assist Virginia State Police in piecing together the full picture.

In the wake of the accident, Louisa County Public Schools immediately mobilized support for its students and staff.

Superintendent Daniel A. Varner expressed profound sorrow over the loss of Mr. Shifflett, describing him as a valued and long-serving member of the school division. "Our hearts are heavy today as we mourn the loss of Mr. Shifflett, who served our students and community with dedication," Varner stated.

The school division swiftly arranged for alternative transportation for uninjured students and ensured that comprehensive counseling services were made available to anyone affected by the traumatic event, highlighting the deep concern for the emotional well-being of the school community.

As the community grapples with this immense loss and the recovery of the injured students, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of road safety and the profound impact of individual actions behind the wheel.

The focus remains on supporting those affected and ensuring a thorough investigation brings clarity and accountability.

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