Photo: Department of Homeland Security
A Georgia special education teacher died Monday when a driver fleeing from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers crashed into her vehicle near Savannah.
Linda Davis, a teacher at Herman W. Hesse K-8 School, was killed while driving to work on Monday morning when her vehicle was struck by Oscar Vasquez Lopez, 38, who was attempting to evade ICE officers.
The incident occurred around 7:45 a.m. on Monday, February 17, less than half a mile from the school where Davis taught. Although students were off for Presidents Day, teachers were required to report to work.
According to ICE spokesperson Lindsay Williams, federal officers were attempting to enforce a 2024 deportation order against Lopez, who is from Guatemala and in the United States illegally. Lopez initially pulled over during the traffic stop but then fled when officers approached his vehicle. He made a U-turn and ran a red light before crashing into Davis' car.
Lopez has been charged with first-degree vehicular homicide, reckless driving, driving without a valid license, and failure to obey a traffic control device. Chatham County Sheriff's records indicate Lopez had no prior criminal history in the county.
Davis was remembered by school officials as a dedicated educator. Principal Alonna McMullen said in a statement that Davis "dedicated her career to ensuring that every child felt supported, valued, and capable of success. Her kindness, patience, and enthusiasm created a nurturing environment for her students and inspired those around her."
The school district has provided counselors to support students and staff members dealing with the loss.