Chapel Hill bus driver pleads no contest in pedestrian's death

James Willie Orr, 65, apologized to the Hughes family in court, saying, "The only thing I can say is I'm sorry and please forgive me."

Orr was placed on administrative leave without pay immediately after the collision and was fired Nov. 3.

The judge sentenced Orr to a 45-day suspended sentence, 100 hours of community service and said Orr may be required to speak about his experience. He will also lose his license for a year under regulations set out by the state Division of Motor Vehicles.

Hughes’ family has hired a lawyer. Attorney Octavis White said if the family decides to file suit, both the Town of Chapel Hill and Orr will be named as defendants.