A Georgia schoolteacher was killed Feb. 16 after authorities say a man fleeing Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers crashed into her vehicle near the school where she worked.

Linda Davis, 52, died following the morning crash outside Hesse K-8 School in Savannah, according to the Chatham County Police Department and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

The driver, identified as 38 year old Oscar Vasquez Lopez, is charged with first-degree homicide by vehicle, reckless driving, driving without a valid license and failure to obey a traffic control device, police said. He remained in custody at the Chatham County Detention Center as of Feb. 17, according to police confirmation.

What Authorities Say Happened

According to DHS, the incident began shortly before 7:45 a.m. when immigration officers observed Vasquez Lopez entering a vehicle and attempted a traffic stop. Officials said he initially complied but then fled.

While attempting to escape, Vasquez Lopez made a “reckless U-turn” at an intersection, ran a red light and struck Davis’ vehicle, DHS said in a press release.

Chatham County police said Davis was transported to a local hospital, where she was pronounced dead. DHS said she died at the scene. Authorities confirmed there were no passengers in either Davis’ or Vasquez Lopez’s vehicles. A second bystander vehicle was involved in the crash, but no injuries were reported in that car.

Because the crash occurred near one of the department’s precincts, officers on routine patrol arrived at the scene almost immediately, police said.

The local police department emphasized it was not involved in the ICE operation.

“The Chatham County Police Department was not a part of the DHS/ICE operation, attempted traffic stop, or pursuit,” the department said in a social media statement. “The Chatham County Police Department was also not aware of the DHS/ICE operation or pursuit until after the crash.”

Immigration Status and Federal Response

DHS officials said a federal judge issued a final order of removal for Vasquez Lopez in 2024. Authorities said they are not certain how long he has been in the United States or where he entered the country.

DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin called the incident preventable.

“Linda Davis’ death is an absolute tragedy and deadly consequence of politicians and the media constantly demonizing ICE officers and encouraging those here illegally to resist arrest,” McLaughlin said in the press release.

The crash remains under investigation by the Chatham County Police Department.

Remembering Linda Davis

Davis was a kindergarten and first grade special education teacher at Hesse K-8 School. She began working at the school in September, according to Sheila Blanco, Public Information Manager for the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System.

Earlier this month, Davis earned a Doctorate of Transformational Leadership from Bakke Graduate University, according to the school system.

Hesse K-8 Principal Alonna McMullen described Davis as “an exceptional educator whose dedication to her students made a lasting impact at Hesse K-8.”

“She believed wholeheartedly in her students’ abilities and worked tirelessly to support their success,” McMullen wrote. “She dedicated her career to ensuring that every child felt supported, valued, and capable of success. Her kindness, patience, and enthusiasm created a nurturing environment for her students and inspired those around her. ... Her contributions to the students and staff will not be forgotten.”

Counseling resources were made available to students and staff as the school community mourned her loss.

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