A 42-year-old mother who co-ran a cupcake business with her husband was killed in a traffic collision in Auburn, Alabama, earlier this week.
According to the Auburn Police Department, the crash happened on Tuesday, Nov. 18, near the 1000 block of East University Drive and involved a school bus and a passenger vehicle.
“First responders from the Auburn Police Department, the Auburn Fire Department and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) arrived on scene to render aid. However, the driver of the passenger vehicle, a 42-year-old female, was fatally injured and pronounced deceased,” police said in a statement.
Officials reported no other injuries, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The woman who died was identified as Jennifer Cooper, the Lee County Coroner’s Office confirmed via email on Thursday, Nov. 20.
Cooper was a mother and co-owner of Gigi’s Cupcakes, which has locations in Auburn and Columbus, Georgia, local outlets reported.
Auburn City Schools also shared condolences following the crash, noting that everyone on the bus was safe.
“All of Auburn City Schools grieves this unimaginable tragedy and prioritizes the care and concern for those most affected by the tragic loss of life,” the district said. “All students on board the bus were safely transported to the school, and their families were contacted directly.”
“We are extremely grateful for the swift response of emergency personnel and pledge cooperation during the process of an ongoing investigation. Our priority and focus are centered on the family and friends most affected,” the statement continued.
In the wake of Cooper’s death, a GoFundMe has been organized to support her husband and children.
“We want to rally together to provide security and stability for her loving family,” the fundraiser says, adding that those who knew her were touched by her enthusiasm, faith, and generosity.
A friend of the family shared an update on Wednesday, Nov. 19, passing along a message from Cooper’s husband, Patrick.
“The family feels your prayers and ask that you continue to cover them as they navigate the next few days..Jennifer loved the Lord and had such a servants heart,” the update read. “In her honor will you do something kind for someone?”
