School bus driver in Pasco who died of fentanyl overdose remembered as kind and generous

A 28-year-old Pasco school bus driver was on a leave of absence when his struggles with drug addiction caught up with him.

Carlos David Gomez, 28, was living with his brother in Pasco when he overdosed on a combination of fentanyl and methamphetamine, Franklin County Coroner Curtis McGary said.

He was discovered dead on March 21, McGary said. He had been struggling with addiction for some time, and this was not the first time he overdosed.

It remains unclear when that was or if he was receiving treatment.

He went on a leave of absence on Dec. 1, 2023, from driving for the school district, but the reason was not made public.

Gomez started working at the Pasco School District in December 2022 as a contracted driver, and had no history of any problems with his driving in his year on the road, said Anna Tensmeyer, the district’s director of public affairs.

“We were saddened to learn of his death yesterday morning and it was announced to drivers yesterday afternoon,” Tensmeyer said. “Counselors were provided to support staff at transportation.”

His brother, Adrian Gomez, said in a GoFundMe fundraiser that he loved his job and the children adored him.

“Carlos is remembered for his kindness to all, his willingness to help people and his generosity,” Adrian Gomez wrote. “His passing left a large void.”

Fentanyl has become the largest single source of overdose deaths in the Tri-Cities, according to statistics from Benton and Franklin counties.

A Tri-City Herald analysis of Benton Franklin Health District data found the drug most commonly affects men in their 40s or 50s, working in construction, trade labor, the food service industry or health care.

School policies

School bus drivers and all commercial driver license holders need to pass drug and alcohol screening before they’re hired.

Once they are working, they are subject to random drug and alcohol testing.

“We have no record or reports of Mr. Gomez being under the influence of alcohol or drugs while driving,” Tensmeyer said.

The district also tests drivers if they are involved in an accident, even a minor one.

The school district offers employees access to counseling as part of their benefits. They can get referrals to local drug and alcohol treatment providers as part of that system.

If they need to take advantage of a treatment program, they can take a leave of absence to participate.

Tensmeyer explained that the school district seeks to help employees struggling with addiction.