OCALA, Fla. — Wednesday marked one year since the a deadly bus crash in Marion County that left eight migrant farmworkers dead and dozens of others injured. 

What You Need To Know

  • Wednesday marked one year since eight migrant farmworkers died and dozens of others were injured in a Marion County bus crash

  • The man accused of colliding with the bus, Bryan Howard, is scheduled his next court hearing on Sept. 3    

  • Howard is facing eight counts of DUI manslaughter and two counts of DUI with serious bodily injury

Officials say a bus transporting 53 migrant workers to a farm in Dunnellon was hit by a truck on May 14, 2024.

The driver of that truck, identified by investigators as Bryan Howard, is facing eight counts of DUI manslaughter and two counts of DUI with serious bodily injury in connection with the crash.

According to information from the Marion County Sheriff's Office, Howard has been held without bond at the Marion County Jail since his arrest on the day of the crash. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 3.

The Farmworker Association of Florida was one of the organizations involved in helping the victims with emergency needs, including shelter, medical assistance and legal connections. Members of the community-based organization say they remember that sober day.

“It’s a tragedy. Any life loss Is always painful,” said association research coordinator Ernesto Ruiz.

Ruiz tells Spectrum News it’s important to remember the lives lost and the conditions that led to the incident.

“I think what stands out in this case is the unseen role farmworkers have to contribute to the literal maintenance of our society,” he said. “They carry out work that no one else will do in very harsh and dangerous conditions, such as the ones that led to this tragic accident.”