Robert Clemons Obituary, Death; – The Milwaukee County Transit System released footage on Thursday from a bus accident that occurred in December, resulting in the death of one individual and injuries to another. The bus driver involved has since been terminated from his position and faces charges.
The incident took place shortly after 11 p.m. on December 25, near the intersection of 47th and Villard. According to a criminal complaint, law enforcement arrived at the scene to find two damaged vehicles on the road and a significant amount of blood. The bus exhibited front-end damage and had a shattered windshield.
The deceased was identified as 79-year-old Robert Clemons, who was struck and killed. Another individual sustained injuries. The surviving victim informed the police, as noted in the complaint, that they were attempting to repair a truck when the bus collided with them and the vehicle. He suffered injuries to his leg and a fractured arm. Authorities indicated that the vehicles struck by the bus were parked legally.
Court documents reveal that 52-year-old Montrell Pharm is facing charges of homicide due to negligent vehicle operation and reckless driving resulting in serious bodily harm related to the December incident.
The MCTS bus was equipped with cameras, including one directed outward to capture the bus’s movement and another focused on the driver. The complaint indicated that the video footage showed the bus primarily traveling in the bike lane. It came to a stop at a red light, remained stationary as the light turned green, and then went through another cycle of lights. As the bus advanced through the intersection of 46th and Villard, it was observed approaching two parked vehicles involved in the collision before striking one and pushing it into the other.
The bus subsequently hit a pedestrian and shifted from the bike lane back into the main traffic lane. After stopping, it moved forward again before finally pulling over near 48th and Villard.
The complaint further stated that the driver, Pharm, appeared to be either sleeping or had his eyes closed while the bus was both stationary and in motion. Police conducted an interview with Pharm, who, according to court filings, reported that he had been working 14-hour shifts since December 22, with only one eight-and-a-half-hour break in between, and that he had slept for six hours the night prior. Pharm expressed feeling exhausted.
