Authorities are investigating the death of 7-year-old Ngone Talla, who was found unresponsive in her wheelchair on a Cincinnati school bus on Sept. 16 and later pronounced dead. The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office reported no traumatic injuries and noted Ngone had a history that included cerebral palsy. Her family says the bus sat outside their home for about 10 minutes before she was found and expressed frustration with supervising staff. Cincinnati Public Schools and the bus contractor say they are cooperating while police conduct a death investigation.
7-Year-Old With Cerebral Palsy Found Unresponsive on Cincinnati School Bus and Later Dies; Family Seeks Answers
Ngone Talla, a 7-year-old student with disabilities, was found unresponsive in her wheelchair after the bus arrived at her home.Credit: Raymond Boyd/Getty
Authorities are investigating after a 7-year-old student with disabilities was found unresponsive on a Cincinnati school bus on Sept. 16 and later pronounced dead.
The Hamilton County Coroner’s Office identified the child on Sept. 17 as Ngone Talla, a student at Roselawn Condon School. Local police responded to Colerain Avenue at about 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 16 after the girl was discovered on the bus, according to local outlets.
What Officials Say
The coroner's office said investigators observed no traumatic injuries and noted that Talla had an extensive medical history, including cerebral palsy. A spokesperson for the coroner said the death did not appear to involve external injuries related to trauma.
Family Accounts
Talla's family told WLWT that the bus was parked outside their home for roughly 10 minutes before they discovered her. Relatives said they ordinarily watch for the rear doors to open for the wheelchair ramp; when those doors did not open, family members went outside and found Ngone unresponsive in her wheelchair.
A view of Roselawn Condon School in Cincinnati, Ohio.Credit: Google Maps
"We went on the bus and I see my sister unresponsive and lifeless," Ngone’s sister, Binetou Talla, told WLWT. "So I’m there, I’m mad. I’m yelling in the bus. I’m like, okay, how did this happen?"
Her father, Abdoul Talla, said adults on the bus are responsible for monitoring students: "The driver and a second person, they’re supposed to just watch carefully, the kids... And it was really hot yesterday. I’m waiting for the investigation to let us know what’s happened."
School District and Bus Contractor
Cincinnati Public Schools confirmed Talla was a student at Roselawn Condon School and said the district is grieving the loss. The district added that its crisis response unit is supporting students and staff affected by the death.
First Student, the private contractor providing transportation services, said it is cooperating with local authorities and the school district while investigators determine what happened. Both the district and the contractor emphasized their cooperation and declined to provide additional details during the active investigation.
Investigation Underway
The Cincinnati Police Department is conducting a death investigation. Officials have reiterated that no traumatic injuries were observed and that Talla had preexisting medical conditions. Authorities continue to examine the circumstances and have been contacted for further information.
This remains an active investigation; reporters and officials urge patience while investigators review medical and scene evidence and speak with witnesses and school staff.
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