2024-02-20 20:49:21
- Liberty High School teacher Ryan Lantz, 52, was struck and killed by a student at Liberty High School in Clarksburg, West Virginia, on Tuesday morning
- According to witnesses, the student who struck Lantz was ‘blinded by the sunlight’ and did not see the teacher
- Harrison County Sheriff Robert Matheny called the incident ‘tragic, but accidental’
A West Virginia teacher and high school coach of 30 years was killed in a school parking lot by a student who ran him over in ‘terrible accident.’
Ryan Lantz, 52, was struck and killed by a student at Liberty High School in Clarksburg, West Virginia, on Tuesday morning.
According to witnesses, the student who struck Lantz was ‘blinded by the sunlight’ and did not see the teacher, as reported by WV News.
Liberty High School released a statement expressed deep sadness over the tragic passing of Lantz, who was a teacher and former head coach of the Liberty High School’s boys basketball team.
Ryan Lantz, 52, was struck and killed by a student at Liberty High School in Clarksburg, West Virginia, on Tuesday morning According to witnesses, the student who struck Lantz was ‘blinded by the sunlight’ and did not see the teacher (pictured: Lantz and his wife)
‘The Harrison County Board of Education is deeply saddened to announce the tragic passing of a respected teacher at Liberty High School, following an accident that occurred early Tuesday morning in the school’s parking lot,’ the statement read.
‘The loss of the beloved teacher is a profound tragedy for our school community. Our thoughts are with the families involved during this difficult time.’
‘Out of respect, all extracurricular activities at Liberty High School as well as the Harrison County Board of Education meetings scheduled for this evening have been canceled.’
Harrison County Sheriff Robert Matheny called the incident ‘tragic, but accidental.’
‘Certainly with the school community and our community we all suffer a loss. It’s heartbreaking,’ Matheny told MetroNews.
Liberty High School released a statement expressed deep sadness over the tragic passing of Lantz, who was a teacher and former head coach of the Liberty High School’s boys basketball team
Lantz was transported by ambulance to Ruby Memorial Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
In addition to acting as a longtime teacher and coach, Lantz was recognized by the school as a mentor and role model.
‘Perhaps what truly sets Lantz apart is his genuine care for each individual under his guidance. He takes the time to listen, to understand, and to connect with his students and athletes on a personal level,’ his obituary wrote.
‘Whether it’s offering words of encouragement before a big game or lending a sympathetic ear to a student struggling with personal issues, Lantz’s empathy and compassion are felt by all who know him.’
‘He was not simply a teacher or a coach; he is a guiding light, a source of strength, and a pillar of support for all who have the privilege of knowing him.
‘In a world often characterized by its chaos and uncertainty, Lantz’s unwavering dedication serves as a reminder of the power of compassion, perseverance, and the profound impact that one individual can have on the lives of many.’
Prior to his 30-year long career as a teacher, Lantz reportedly worked as a youth pastor for 10 years, between 2000 and 2010.
He began his career as a legal assistant for the Bureau of Child Support Enforcement in 1998, according to Times Now News. Before that, he worked as a system analyst.
In January 2023, a teacher at an Alabama high school was killed when a school bus in the parking lot ran him over.
Mark Ridgeway, 58, who was a veteran staff member of Mortimer Jordan High School for nearly 30 years, was reportedly killed when an unoccupied bus began to roll and struck him.
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