Ohio Bus Crash Kills Three Students, Two Parents, and a Teacher: Federal Investigator Praises Good Samaritans

Police – Accident – Death – Obituary News :

Signs expressing support for the Tusky Valley Schools community were displayed in front of the elementary school on the evening of November 14, 2023, shortly before a community prayer vigil took place at the Tuscarawas Valley Schools football stadium in Zoarville, Ohio. This event was held in response to a tragic bus crash that took the lives of three students, two parents, and a teacher from a high school band group.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation into the incident, and NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy commended the “good Samaritans” who rushed to the scene of the crash on westbound Interstate 70 in Licking County. She specifically praised the prompt response of police and fire departments, including Gahanna officers who were en route to a training event but diverted to the accident site.

Chair Homendy and her team visited the crash site for the first time on Wednesday, where they began gathering evidence from the five vehicles involved. The NTSB’s investigation is expected to last five to seven days, with a preliminary report to be issued in the coming weeks. Conflicting information has been reported regarding the sequence of events leading up to the chain-reaction crash, which involved an SUV, a semitruck, and a Pioneer Trails charter bus carrying students and chaperones from the Tuscarawas Valley Local School District.

Tragically, three passengers on the bus, identified as John W. Mosely, Jeffery D. Worrell, and Katelyn N. Owens, lost their lives in the crash. The Ohio State Highway Patrol confirmed their deaths at the scene. The crash also claimed the lives of a high school teacher, Dave Kennat, and two parent chaperones, Kristy Gaynor and Shannon Wigfield. The Tuscarawas Valley community has been deeply shaken by this devastating loss.

The tragic incident also had significant implications for an educational conference, billed as the second-largest in the nation, which had been taking place over three days. Upon learning of the crash, organizers made the difficult decision to cancel the final day of the event. This conference offered valuable professional development opportunities for school district management teams and featured an annual Student Achievement Fair showcasing innovative school programs.

In a community prayer vigil held in the wake of the crash, Tuscarawas Valley Superintendent Derek Varansky expressed the profound grief felt by the district. He described the day of the accident as one of the darkest in the district’s history and the worst day of his life. Superintendent Varansky emphasized the community’s determination to honor the lives lost and to support the surviving students who endured a traumatic experience. The district made the decision to hold classes the day after the crash to ensure that no students were left alone at home. Specialized support staff from various community organizations were also present to provide assistance and counseling.

The tragedy also claimed the life of Shannon Wigfield, who served as a teacher at Buckeye Career Center. Having dedicated 24 years to teaching at the center, she was recognized for her loving smile and unwavering positivity. This loss has deeply affected both the Tuscarawas Valley Local School District and the Buckeye Career Center community.

As investigations continue, it remains unclear how the NTSB’s School Bus Safety Working Group, convened by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine in August, will address the issue of charter buses carrying students. The working group, which focuses on enhancing school bus safety, will hold its next meeting next week to discuss training and receive input from drivers and practitioners. The group is expected to issue recommendations by the end of the year, and the tragic bus crash will undoubtedly be acknowledged during their discussions.

The devastating crash on Interstate 70 in Licking County, Ohio, serves as a reminder of the importance of school bus safety and the need for continuous improvements to protect students and those who care for them during transportation. The entire community of Tuscarawas Valley and beyond mourns the loss of precious lives and stands united in supporting the affected families and students.

By Patrick Orsagos

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