WEIRSDALE, Fla. – A Marion County teacher died Tuesday after experiencing a medical episode while driving, leading to a crash across the street from Lake Weir High School, officials said.
John Gibb, 31, of Ocala, who taught Pre-International Baccalaureate English at Lake Weir High School, was taken to a hospital after the crash and was pronounced dead, the Florida Highway Patrol said.
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Troopers said Gibb was driving west on County Road 464 when he suffered a medical event, causing his car to cross over the center grass median and eastbound lanes of C.R. 464. The vehicle then went over the south grass shoulder and struck a sign, fence and tree, the FHP said.
According to school officials, Gibb had been with the district for seven years, all of them at Lake Weir High, and was a Golden Apple recipient and a finalist for 2023 Marion County Teacher of the Year.
Lake Weir High School Principal Colleen Wade released a statement about Gibb.
“Mr. Gibb’s impact on our students was immeasurable. His excitement for teaching turned contagious, and his enthusiasm in the classroom often changed perceptions of the traditional teacher. Mr. Gibb’s passion changed students’ lives, and he was treasured by our school. That’s how we will remember this Golden Apple teacher,” the statement said.
Grief counselors were at the school Tuesday and were expected to remain as long as needed.
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The story was first reported by Ocala.com.
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