In a somber announcement on Sunday, UC Santa Cruz shared the heartbreaking news of the passing of Dan Stevenson, the university bus operator involved in the December 12 bus crash that left five students injured. Stevenson, a dedicated member of the campus community, succumbed to the injuries he sustained in the tragic incident, leaving behind a legacy of 25 years of service as a METRO bus driver and Campus Transit Driver.
Dan Stevenson’s quarter-century commitment to serving the Santa Cruz community through his role as a METRO bus driver and Campus Transit Driver has left an indelible mark on the hearts of those he served. Beyond being a reliable operator, Stevenson was a beloved coworker and a valued member of the UC Santa Cruz family. The news of his passing has sent ripples of grief throughout the university community and beyond.
Scott Hernandez-Jason, UC Santa Cruz spokesperson, expressed the university’s deep condolences, stating, “He was a beloved coworker, a valued UC Santa Cruz employee, and our hearts go out to his family and his friends and his colleagues who are all mourning at this time.” The loss of Stevenson is not only felt within the university but reverberates throughout the broader community, underscoring the impact of his service and the connections he formed over the years.
The cause of the December 12 bus crash is still under investigation, and UC Santa Cruz is leaving no stone unturned in its quest for answers. Scott Hernandez-Jason emphasized the seriousness of the inquiry, stating, “We haven’t ruled out anything at this point. These things take time. We want to make sure that we’re able to collect all the evidence and do a thorough investigation.” The university is committed to understanding the circumstances leading to the tragic incident and ensuring the safety of its transportation services moving forward.
In response to the incident, UC Santa Cruz has taken precautionary measures to safeguard the well-being of its students and the community. Buses similar to the one involved in the crash have been temporarily removed from their operating routes. This proactive step reflects the university’s commitment to prioritizing safety and addressing any potential issues that may have contributed to the unfortunate accident.
The passing of Dan Stevenson is an immeasurable loss for UC Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz community at large. As the university mourns the tragic departure of a dedicated bus operator, the commitment to a thorough investigation and proactive safety measures underscores the institution’s dedication to ensuring the well-being of its students and staff. In remembering Dan Stevenson, the UC Santa Cruz community honors a public servant who devoted a significant part of his life to serving others.
