This Is What Police Know of The Bus Crashed That Claimed Little Taleenie 

Sherri Mejia and four-year-old Taleenie Garbutt died following a collision between a National Bus Company bus and a Toyota Corolla on the Thomas Vincent Ramos Highway near San Juan Village on Saturday. 

Four other occupants of the car were injured, including Taleenie’s father, Walton, who sustained a broken left foot and a knee injury that requires surgery.

The accident happened around 7 p.m. between miles 37 and 38 of the highway, according to ASP Stacy smith. “Garbutt and Mejia, along with three other persons, were on board a Toyota Corolla car travelling in a northerly direction and a bus belonging to the National Bus Company was travelling in the opposite direction,” Smith said.

Mejia died at the scene, while Taleenie succumbed to her injuries while receiving medical treatment. “A urine sample has been obtained from the driver of the bus, as well as a notice of intended prosecution has been served on him,” Smith said.

Taleenie’s grandfather, Walter Garbutt, recalled the incident, saying he received a call shortly before 7 p.m. informing him that his daughter-in-law and granddaughter had been involved in an accident. “I was able to understand, the vehicle was parked on the side of the highway,” Walter said.

He also described the area as dark, with no street lighting, and noted that there had been heavy rain over the weekend.

Walter remembered Taleenie as an affectionate and friendly child, saying she stood out even among his own children. “I have seven children, six sons and a daughter. And I have to reflect very hard to find out if any of them was as sweet as she was.”

He said Walton received two units of blood and was later transferred to the Karl Huesner Memorial Hospital for further medical attention. “It’s fortunate that my son and his partner are alive. It’s fortunate that the driver is alive and a little boy.”

The National Bus Company has expressed condolences to the victims’ family, saying it recognises the gravity of the incident and is committed to cooperating fully with the relevant authorities.