Full Breakdown
Milwaukee Bus Driver Sentenced for Fatal Christmas Day Accident
3/14/2026, 10:16:50 AM
Incident Overview
On December 25, 2024, Montrell Pharm, a 53-year-old former bus driver for the Milwaukee County Transit System, fell asleep at the wheel and struck 79-year-old Robert Clemons while he was fixing a truck in the road. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. and resulted in Clemons being dragged under the bus for approximately a block before Pharm stopped. Tragically, Clemons was pronounced dead at the scene, witnessed by his grandson, who sustained serious injuries while attempting to chase the bus.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
Pharm was charged with homicide by negligent operation of a vehicle and reckless driving causing great bodily harm. On January 20, 2026, he pleaded no contest to these charges, which is not an admission of guilt. Following a sentencing hearing on March 12, 2026, Judge David Swanson sentenced Pharm to two years in prison, followed by three years of extended supervision. The court proceedings included video evidence showing Pharm appearing to doze off while driving, which played a significant role in the case.
Circumstances Leading to the Accident
Pharm reported to police that he had been working long shifts, totaling 14 hours a day since December 22, and had only six hours of sleep before the accident. During the investigation, officers noted a trail of blood leading from the scene of the incident to where the bus eventually stopped. The bus itself showed damage to its front end and had a broken passenger side windshield, indicating the severity of the collision.
Official Statements and Responses
In a statement to the Clemons family during sentencing, Pharm expressed remorse, saying, “There aren’t enough words to say to begin to heal your pain. I pray and sincerely ask for your forgiveness. This was an unintentional accident.” The Milwaukee County Transit System also issued a statement expressing condolences to the Clemons family and emphasized that safety is a core principle of their operations. They noted that Pharm was discharged from the transit system shortly after the incident and affirmed that the tragedy does not reflect the commitment of their bus operators to safety.
Criticism and Opposition
While Pharm's actions were deemed negligent, some critics argue that systemic issues related to driver fatigue and scheduling practices within the transit system may have contributed to the incident. The case raises broader questions about the safety protocols in place for public transportation drivers, particularly regarding work hours and rest periods.
Verbatim Quotes
- “There aren't enough words to say to begin to heal your pain. I pray and sincerely ask for your forgiveness. This was an unintentional accident,” — Montrell Pharm, Former Bus Driver
- “All of us at Milwaukee County Transit System offer our sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Clemons along with all their loved ones who are grieving and recovering from their loss.” — Milwaukee County Transit System Spokesperson
This tragic incident highlights the critical importance of addressing driver fatigue and ensuring the safety of both operators and pedestrians in public transport systems.
