OCALA, FL (352today.com) — Wednesday marked one year since a devastating crash on State Road 40 claimed the lives of eight migrant workers and injured dozens more in Marion County.

On the morning of May 14, 2024, a bus carrying 53 agricultural workers to Cannon Farms in Dunnellon was sideswiped by a pickup truck, causing the bus to veer off the road and flip. The violent rollover resulted in the deaths of eight men: Jose Acosta, Everardo Hernandez, Santiago Jesus, Isaias Pascal, Manuel Rios, Alfredo Sanchez, Oscar Temoxtle-Temoxtle, and Cristian Villeda.

The tragedy struck just after 6:30 a.m., shattering families and sending shockwaves through the community. More than three dozen others were injured, some critically.

Investigators identified the driver of the pickup truck as Bryan Howard, who was arrested and charged with eight counts of DUI manslaughter, among other charges. Authorities say Howard was under the influence when he sideswiped the bus, setting the deadly crash into motion.

Howard remains behind bars and is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday, May 15, for a hearing in Ocala related to the case.

The crash highlighted ongoing concerns about the safety and conditions faced by migrant workers who travel early hours for labor-intensive jobs that support Florida’s agricultural economy. Cannon Farms temporarily suspended operations following the crash last year and later held a memorial service in honor of the victims.

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