Auburn bus driver indicted in deadly crash that killed Gigi’s Cupcakes owner

AUBURN, Ala. (WTVM) - The Auburn Police Department announced an arrest in a fatal traffic crash that killed the owner of Gigi’s Cupcakes last November.

A Lee County grand jury indicted Theresa McCloud, 75, the driver of a school bus involved in the crash, on charges of homicide by vehicle and criminally negligent homicide, following an investigation by the Auburn Police Department Traffic Homicide Unit.

McCloud was arrested on the indictments Sept. 3, 2026, and transported to the Lee County Jail, where she is being held on a $12,000 bond, according to the Lee County Detention Center. She has since made bond.

The crash

The crash happened Nov. 18, 2025, near the 1000 block of East University Drive in Auburn.

Auburn police officers responded to the crash involving a school bus and a passenger vehicle. The Auburn Police Department, the Auburn Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services responded to render aid.

The driver of the passenger vehicle, a 42-year-old woman, was fatally injured and pronounced deceased. No additional injuries were reported.

The Lee County Coroner’s Office identified the woman as Jennifer Cooper, owner of Gigi’s Cupcakes stores in Auburn, Opelika and Columbus.

The Auburn Police Department Traffic Homicide Unit responded and opened an investigation.

Auburn City Schools statement

Auburn City Schools released a statement the Wednesday afternoon following the crash:

“On Tuesday, Nov. 18, a school bus was involved in a traffic accident that resulted in a fatality. All of Auburn City Schools grieves this unimaginable tragedy and prioritizes the care and concern for those most affected by the tragic loss of life.

All students on board the bus were safely transported to the school, and their families were contacted directly.

We are extremely grateful for the swift response of emergency personnel and pledge cooperation during the process of an ongoing investigation. Our priority and focus are centered on the family and friends most affected."

Family statement

Attorneys for the Estate of Jennifer Cooper issued a statement to our sister station, WSFA 12 News, on behalf of her husband, Patrick Cooper, Thursday afternoon.

“We understand that there has been an arrest in connection with the tragic incident that took Jennifer’s life. The arrest is an important development in the legal process. We recognize, however, that nothing will bring Jennifer back. But we believe in the justice system, and we trust that it will continue to do its work,” said Royal Dumas with the law firm Rushton, Stakely, Johnston & Garrett.

“We ask the community to keep our family in your prayers, as you have from the very beginning, and we ask that you also remember each family who puts a child on a school bus each morning trusting that the person behind the wheel is fit to drive.

We extend our sincere appreciation to the Auburn Police Department and the Lee County District Attorney’s Office for their diligence and dedication throughout this investigation. As the criminal proceedings move forward, we ask that the privacy of our family be respected. We remain hopeful for a just resolution.”