Colton, CA (June 12, 2026) – A 64-year-old driver died on Wednesday, June 10, after striking the rear of a transit bus stopped at a red light near South Mt Vernon Avenue and Centerpoint Drive. The driver of the Lincoln Town Car, Tracy Lee Stuart, 64, of Colton, was pronounced dead at the scene. The bus had been stopped at a red light when the collision occurred just after 4 p.m.
Several passengers aboard the bus reported minor injuries but declined to be taken to a hospital. The bus driver was not hurt. No other vehicles were involved in the accident. The wreck remains under active review as investigators work to determine what led the Lincoln driver to strike the stopped bus.
We extend our deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Tracy Lee Stuart.
What Happens After a Fatal Rear-End Crash Involving a Transit Bus in California?
Rear-end crashes into stopped vehicles are among the most common collision types on California roads, and when the struck vehicle is a large transit bus, the consequences can vary widely depending on the speed of the approaching car and road geometry. Buses sit higher off the ground than standard passenger vehicles, which can change how force is distributed in a rear-end crash and sometimes results in more severe outcomes for the driver of the smaller vehicle. The weight difference between a fully loaded bus and a passenger car also makes the bus far more resistant to movement on impact.
When a transit bus is involved in a fatal crash, the incident is typically reviewed by both local investigators and the transit agency. Passengers on the bus may be interviewed and asked to document any injuries, even minor ones. Bus-mounted cameras usually provide valuable footage that helps piece together how the collision unfolded, including vehicle speed, positioning, and the state of the traffic signal at the time of impact.
