A well‑liked special education teacher died on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026, after a man fleeing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents ran a red light and struck her vehicle in Savannah, Georgia, authorities said.
Linda Davis, 52, was on her way to Herman W. Hesse K-8 School when 38-year-old Oscar Vasquez-Lopez, a Guatemalan citizen living in the U.S. unlawfully, executed a dangerous U-turn, ignored a red light, and hit her car. Davis was taken to Memorial Health University Medical Center, where she was pronounced dead. Vasquez-Lopez was taken into custody after receiving medical attention for minor injuries.
The Department of Homeland Security said ICE agents had attempted to stop Vasquez-Lopez to enforce a 2024 deportation order from a federal judge. According to DHS, Vasquez-Lopez first pulled over when officers activated sirens and blue lights but fled as they approached his vehicle.
Video obtained by local news station WTOC shows a red pickup truck traveling past the school on Whitefield Avenue, followed by unmarked vehicles with flashing lights. Moments later, the deadly collision occurred less than half a mile from Davis’ workplace.
The Chatham County Police Department charged Vasquez-Lopez with first-degree vehicular homicide, reckless driving, driving without a valid license, and failure to obey a traffic signal. Bond was denied on Tuesday, and he remained at the Chatham County Detention Center.
The incident has sparked debate about ICE’s enforcement approach and the level of coordination with local authorities. Chatham County police emphasized they were not involved.
“The Chatham County Police Department was not a part of the DHS/ICE operation, attempted traffic stop, or pursuit,” the agency said. “The Chatham County Police Department was also not aware of the DHS/ICE operation or pursuit until after the crash.”
Savannah Mayor Van Johnson, who has a law enforcement background, questioned whether the pursuit was justified given that Vasquez-Lopez had no criminal record beyond the immigration issue. Johnson, who is close to the Davis family and visited them at the hospital, asked reporters Tuesday: “What this individual was wanted for, did it necessitate the end result?”
Chester Ellis, chairman of the Chatham County Board of Commissioners, pointed out that local police follow a no-pursuit rule except in violent felony situations. Police Chief Jeff Hadley described the tragedy as “more than likely preventable” and suggested that improved technology could help officers capture suspects without putting bystanders at risk.
DHS Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs Tricia McLaughlin defended the agents, calling the crash a “deadly consequence of politicians and the media constantly demonizing ICE officers and encouraging those here illegally to resist arrest.”
The loss of Davis has deeply affected the Savannah community. She had joined Hesse K-8 in September, after teaching at Brock Elementary School since 2022.
Hesse K-8 Principal Alonna McMullen remembered Davis as an outstanding teacher who profoundly influenced both students and staff. “She dedicated her career to ensuring that every child felt supported, valued, and capable of success,” McMullen said, adding that Davis was “a source of encouragement and positivity among her peers.”
Former coworker Aisha Buchanan said Davis shared kindness with everyone. “She always made you feel like you mattered,” Buchanan told CNN affiliate WTOC. “Whether they’re a custodian or a teacher, a principal, or even a student, you always matter.”
A pregnant woman and her two small children were nearly hit by the fleeing truck, but Davis’ car absorbed the impact and protected them, according to WTOC.
According to ICE spokesperson Lindsay Williams, it remains unclear how long Vasquez-Lopez had lived in the U.S. or how he entered. Williams confirmed he had no criminal history aside from immigration-related issues.
When asked if Vasquez-Lopez had been chased, Williams objected to that description: “Chased? I wouldn’t say that. They followed him until he crashed.”
The crash happened on Presidents’ Day, a student holiday but a required planning day for teachers. Davis was en route to school when the collision occurred at about 7:45 a.m.
