No Jail Time for Maine Bus Driver Responsible for a Student’s Death

An RSU #13 bus driver who fatally struck a child in Rockland in 2025 may avoid a jail sentence with a plea agreement.

Maine Bus Driver in Court Over a Crash that Killed a Rockland Student

Jeffrey Colburn, 65, of Camden, was originally charged with manslaughter for the fatal incident that happened on November 21, 2025.

Colburn was behind the wheel of a school bus when it struck 12-year-old Brayden Callahan.

Rockland, Maine Student Killed After Being Run Over by a School Bus

An examination of video footage from the bus showed that the crossing arm was not extended at the time of the crash and that the driver was leaning too far to the right to keep his eyes on the road.

The crossing arm is an extended barrier that prevents students from walking too close to the vehicle.

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Police say Brayden was in the crosswalk when he was run over by the bus.

Brayden was taken to a local hospital via LifeFlight helicopter, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Maine Bus Driver Agrees to a Lesser Charge After Fatally Running Over a Student

Colburn was indicted for manslaughter in January 2026.

But at a judicial settlement conference in Knox County on August 3rd, Colburn's attorney said his client had reached a plea deal in which the charge would be dropped.

Instead of manslaughter, the charge will be reduced to the civil violation of a motorist committing a traffic violation that results in death.

According to the Midcoast Villager, the maximum sentence for this civil violation is a four-year license suspension, a $5,000 fine, and community service.

A judge will rule on the plea agreement on August 11, 2026.

Colburn is no longer employed by RSU #13.