“Trump Needs to Stop Using My Son’s Death for Political Gain,” Says Father of Ohio Boy Killed in Bus Crash

Nathan Clark, the father of 11-year-old Aiden Clark, who tragically died in a school bus crash in August 2023, has publicly called on former President Donald Trump to stop using his son’s death for political purposes. The incident occurred in Springfield, Ohio, when a van driven by an undocumented Haitian immigrant collided with Aiden’s school bus.

Aiden’s death has become a focal point in Trump’s 2024 presidential campaign, with his running mate, JD Vance, referring to the crash in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Vance’s post stated, “a child was murdered by a Haitian migrant.” This statement prompted an emotional response from Nathan Clark, who addressed the misrepresentation during a city commission meeting.

“They have spoken my son’s name and used his death for political gain. This needs to stop now,” Clark said. He clarified that Aiden’s death was an accident, not a murder, and urged for the tragedy to be treated with respect, free from political manipulation. “My son was not murdered. He was accidentally killed by an immigrant from Haiti,” he added, cautioning against turning the tragedy into a tool for spreading hate.

Clark’s frustration grew after Trump and Vance made further controversial claims about Haitian immigrants in Springfield, including accusations of them eating pets. These claims were repeated by Trump during a presidential debate just hours after Clark’s heartfelt plea.

In a moment of raw emotion, Clark expressed how politicizing his son’s death has intensified his grief. “I wish that my son, Aiden Clark, was killed by a 60-year-old white man… But if that guy killed my 11-year-old son, the incessant group of hate-spewing people would leave us alone,” he said, highlighting the racial undertones being drawn into the tragedy.

The driver involved in the accident, Hermanio Joseph, was sentenced to nine to thirteen-and-a-half years in prison for involuntary manslaughter and felony vehicular homicide after crossing the center line and causing the fatal collision.

Adding to Clark’s distress, the Trump campaign posted a photo of Aiden alongside Joseph, criticizing Vice President Kamala Harris’ immigration policies. The post accused Harris of refusing to acknowledge Aiden’s death, which Clark vehemently condemned. “They are not allowed, nor have they ever been allowed to mention Aiden Clark from Springfield, Ohio,” he stated firmly.

While Trump’s campaign expressed condolences for the Clark family’s loss, they continue to argue that the incident underscores the community’s struggles with illegal immigration. Clark, however, remains steadfast in his call for an end to the politicization of his son’s death.