Middle schooler helps stop school bus after driver passes out behind the wheel

GLENDALE, Wis. (Gray News) - A middle school student in Wisconsin came to the rescue this week after his bus driver passed out while driving students home.

According to school officials, eighth-grade student Acie Holland III was riding the bus after school Wednesday night when the bus driver experienced a medical emergency, causing her to lose consciousness.

The bus started to veer into the oncoming lane and that’s when Holland jumped in to help.

The Glen Hills Middle School student rushed to get the bus driver’s foot off the gas and applied the brakes, safely bringing the bus to a stop.

The school’s principal Anna Young said he then called 911 and made sure the younger students were OK, telling them to contact their parents.

Holland also contacted his grandmother, who is a nurse, for help.

The school’s principal said the driver was able to regain consciousness and called dispatch, which sent a safety team and another bus driver to bring the students home.

“The Glen Hills school community could not be any prouder of Acie,” Young shared in a note to families. “The compassion and leadership that we see him exhibit daily was taken to the next level on his bus ride home.”

School leaders said what easily could have resulted in tragedy was avoided due to the student’s quick thinking.

“We are grateful that all of our Glen Hills students are safe and are wishing their driver a healthy recovery,” Young said.

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