By Eileen Buckley
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/wbfo/local-wbfo-924317.mp3
Tonawanda, NY – A Kenmore West High School teacher was struck and killed Wednesday night as he cross Sheridan Drive in the Town of Tonawanda.
Towanada Police say 37-year old Brian Dugan was jogging when he was hit by a vehicle at the intersection Sheridan and Belmont around 8:30 p.m. The car was driven by 75 year old Beverly Waltz of the Town of Tonawanda.
An Accident Investigation Unit is looking into the crash. Officials say charges are pending.
The Kenmore-Tonawanda School District is dealing with the tragic loss. They were notified of his death overnight. Dugan was a popular English teacher at Kenmore West.
Teams of grief counselors are offering professional support and care for teachers and students at the high school to cope with the tragic and sudden loss.
The district's crisis plan was implemented immediately to ensure the presence of counselors for teachers and students upon their arrival to Kenmore West High School.
Teams of crisis counselors met with administrators and staff early Wednesday morning at the high school. Shortly after counselors provided professional support in private "grief rooms" throughout the school for teachers and staff.
"It is with a heavy heart that I inform our community of the sudden and tragic loss of our beloved teacher, Brian Dugan. Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Dugan's family and the Kenmore West High School community. We are providing teachers and students with professional counseling during this difficult time. Words cannot express the heartbreak and sadness felt at Kenmore West because of this loss, which is why it was so important to provide professional counseling services for students and staff as early as possible this morning," said Kenmore-Town of Tonawanda Union Free School District Superintendent Mark P. Mondanaro.
Dugan was the head of the English Department at Kenmore West. He had been teaching at Kenmore West High School since September of 1995. He was the coach of the Boys Modified football team for 14 years at Kenmore Middle School up until this year. He also served as a volunteer basketball coach at Kenmore West.
"Brian was a great man, caring educator, and thoughtful friend. His passion to teach and enthusiasm with students was evident everyday he walked into the classroom. Children could count on him in the classroom and on the football field. He will be remembered as one of the nicest people you could ever meet. He had a wonderful sense of humor that brightened the world of everyone around him. This loss is truly heartbreaking. During this difficult time we found comfort and peace because of the presence of counselors early this morning. Our Kenmore West High School family is thankful to the district for providing counselors this morning," said Kenmore West High School Principal Karen Geelan.
The Kenmore West High School Open House scheduled for Thursday night will be rescheduled to Wednesday September 29th, 2010 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM.