In the morning rush along Auburn’s East University Drive, 42-year-old Jennifer Merwin Cooper lost her life in a collision with an Auburn City Schools bus on November 18, 2025.
The crash occurred just after 8 a.m. in the 1000 block near Alfa Court, where her passenger vehicle impacted the bus carrying students. Auburn Police and firefighters responded swiftly, but Jennifer was pronounced dead at the scene from severe injuries.
Jennifer earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Auburn University, later obtaining a master’s in science instruction. She taught middle school science in the Lee County system for over a decade, inspiring students with hands-on experiments and environmental projects. Her classroom approach earned praise for fostering curiosity in young minds.
Professionally, Jennifer owned and operated GiGi’s Cupcakes locations in Opelika, Alabama, and Columbus, Georgia, after transitioning from teaching. She managed daily baking operations and customer events, creating a welcoming space known for custom orders and community fundraisers. Her entrepreneurial spirit blended creativity with business acumen.
Jennifer shared a devoted family life as a mother of two children, balancing school runs and extracurricular support in their Auburn home. She maintained close relationships with parents and siblings through regular gatherings featuring her homemade desserts. These bonds formed the joyful core of her everyday world.
Jennifer embraced an active lifestyle with early yoga sessions and weekend hikes along Chewacla State Park trails for relaxation. She followed Auburn Tigers football passionately and enjoyed gardening fresh herbs for her cupcake recipes. Her hobbies reflected a blend of wellness and creative baking shared with loved ones.
Auburn honors Jennifer with tributes outside her GiGi’s Cupcakes shop, while her family prepares a service to celebrate her legacy. Officials discuss intersection improvements along the busy corridor, turning sorrow into safety measures. The community remembers a teacher and baker whose sweetness touched countless lives.