Driver of RSU 13 school bus that struck, killed student in Rockland placed on leave, police say

ROCKLAND, Maine (WMTW) - A Regional School Unit 13 bus driver has been placed on leave three days after he was involved in a Rockland crash that resulted in the death of a student in the school district, according to police.

The RSU 13 student, identified by his family as 12-year-old Brayden Callahan, was hit by the school bus at about 2:20 p.m. Friday on Broadway at the intersection of Eliza Steele Drive.

Brayden was rushed to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries and was then flown to Maine Medical Center in Portland. The Rockland Police Department announced Saturday afternoon that Brayden had died of his injuries.

“He was funny, had a great sense of humor and at like 7 years old, he was telling me the life cycle of scorpions,” said Peggy DeVarney, Brayden’s grandmother.

Rockland police announced Monday that the driver of the school bus involved in the crash had been placed on administrative leave, and that RSU 13 officials were fully cooperating with the investigation.

“We ask for the public’s patience while we continue to investigate this tragic incident. Out of respect for the privacy of the family, and the integrity of the investigation, we will not be releasing any additional details at this time,” the Rockland Police Department said in a statement posted on Facebook. “We ask that our community keep the victim and their family in their thoughts and prayers and would like to offer our sincerest condolences.”

Our media partners WMTW confirmed with police that Jeffrey Colburn is the school bus driver involved in the crash.

Colburn, 65, was found guilty of operating under the influence of alcohol in June 2015 and his license was suspended, according to court records.

The OUI conviction prohibited Colburn from driving a school bus for 10 years, but parents of RSU 13 students told Hogan that Colburn has been driving a bus for the school district since long before June 2025 — when he would have been cleared.

“I want to see accountability. That’s just what needs to happen,” said parent Brittany Young. “I think a lot of the administration needs to be looked at and who does the hiring and firing.”

RSU 13 officials have not yet responded to Hogan’s request for comment.

Rockland police said they are still working closely with the Knox County District Attorney’s Office, and that several other agencies are involved in the crash investigation. Those agencies include the Maine State Police Crash Reconstruction Unit, Maine State Police Commercial Vehicle Unit, Maine Bureau of Highway Safety Traffic Safety Resource Prosecutor’s Program and Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

RSU 13 canceled school on Monday and Tuesday following Brayden’s death. In a letter to families sent Sunday afternoon, RSU 13 Superintendent John McDonald also said the school district would be providing counseling support on Monday and Tuesday to those who need it.

The family has set up a GoFundMe which has raised more than $32,000, so far.