PIKE COUNTY, Ohio — Western Pike Local Schools released a statement on the sudden death of a beloved teacher.
According to the district, John Darren Lightle was a junior high school history teacher with the district. Lightle, the school said, had been a teacher at Western for 25 years.
The Ohio Highway Patrol said, John D. Lightle, of Waverly, was killed Friday morning when his vehicle veered off the road.
The crash occurred around 1:30 a.m. along Buchanan Road near Route 772.
Earlier this morning, the district announced that schools would be closed. At the time, officials with the district said the closure was due to an emergency situation involving a staff member.
“We will get a plan together today to set up counseling services for our students. Several other schools have offered services already,” said a spokesperson for the school district.
“Please be in prayer for Darren’s kids and his family and also for our staff and students. Lots and lots students and adults impacted in a 25-year career.”
Lightle was 49 at the time.