Executive Summary
- A Milwaukee County Transit System driver was terminated two days after a fatal collision on November 22.
- The crash claimed the life of 61-year-old pedestrian George Kayser in Greenfield, Wisconsin.
- Greenfield Police are continuing their investigation to determine if criminal charges are warranted.
A 55-year-old bus driver employed by the Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) has been terminated following a fatal collision involving a pedestrian in Greenfield, Wisconsin. The incident, which occurred just prior to the Thanksgiving holiday, resulted in the death of 61-year-old George Kayser and has triggered an ongoing police investigation into the circumstances of the crash.
The collision took place on November 22 near the intersection of 56th Street and Forest Home Avenue. According to statements provided by the Greenfield Police Department, the transit bus struck Kayser as he was crossing the street. Witness Maureen Fox told reporters that bystanders, including her daughter, attempted to perform CPR on the victim immediately following the impact. Kayser was transported for emergency care but subsequently succumbed to severe head injuries.
MCTS officials confirmed that an internal investigation was launched immediately after the accident. A spokesperson for the transit system stated that this internal review resulted in the driver’s termination two days after the crash. The agency has declined to publicly identify the driver, citing the absence of formal criminal charges at this stage.
Law enforcement officers interviewed the driver at the scene but did not make an arrest at that time. Police authorities have not elaborated on whether standard field sobriety tests were administered, noting only that the driver cooperated with initial questioning. The driver remains out of custody while the investigation proceeds.
Investigative Outlook
Greenfield Police have indicated that the inquiry into the cause of the crash is ongoing, as investigators await additional evidence before deciding whether to refer the case to the District Attorney for potential criminal liability. The investigation will likely examine factors such as vehicle speed, crosswalk right-of-way, and surveillance footage. While the driver has faced administrative termination from MCTS, it is important to note that no criminal charges have been filed, and all individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
