Tulsa school bus accident victim dies

A Collinsville woman died Tuesday after a Tulsa school bus ran into her car Monday. <br><br>Tulsa Police say the bus hit the back of 38-year-old Lisa Hauptmann's car, which pushed into the path of

Tuesday, November 18th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

A Collinsville woman died Tuesday after a Tulsa school bus ran into her car Monday.

Tulsa Police say the bus hit the back of 38-year-old Lisa Hauptmann's car, which pushed into the path of traffic. Officers didn't give the school bus driver a ticket because charges could be filed later. News on 6 reporter Patrina Adger talks to Lisa's husband who's trying to cope with her death.

Rusty Hauptmann says his wife Lisa was the love of his life. They dated all through high school, lost touch for about 20 years, found each other and got married four years ago. "We eloped." Rusty can't help but smile when he thinks about her. He says he talked to Lisa just minutes before the accident. "I kissed her and I said I love you and to be careful."

Rusty says Lisa was driving south down Memorial to take her 18-year-old son to school. Police say she turned onto 7th Street when a school bus hit her from behind. Police say Lisa's car was pushed into oncoming traffic where it was hit by a delivery truck. â€œPolice said it was a wonder she made it out alive, it's a miracle Aaron is still alive.â€

But Lisa died Tuesday morning, her 18-year-old son Aaron is still in the hospital. Officer Scott Walton says the school bus driver wasn't given a citation because the accident is still under investigation. "The victim at the time was alive, now that's she's died has a lot of weight as far as vehicular homicide. There's no reason right at that time without looking at the report and having time to determine physical evidence."

Rusty says his concern right now is for Aaron and his five-year-old daughter who has to deal with the fact that mommy is gone. "She just put her hand on her ears, doesn't want to hear anything else."

Tulsa Public Schools says the bus driver won't be driving school buses until the school's review is over.