OHIO — The five-vehicle accident on I-70 that killed six people — including three students — and injured at least 18 others, has left a community in grief.
The Tuscarawas Valley School District organized a vigil Tuesday night in the school's football stadium where the district's superintendent, Derek Varansky, said it was the "worst day of his life" and that the students who had passed away were bright lights full of life who had lost their lives way too young.
The victims included John Mosely, 18; Jeffery Worrell, 18; Katelyn Owens, 15; Dave Kennat, 56; Kristy Gaynor, 39; and Shannon Wigfield, 45.
In addition to the vigil, social media posts have begun circulating from those who knew the victims.
Buckeye Career Center Superintendent Bob Alsept, where Wigfield worked as a teacher, said she was always happy and always smiling. He said it was clear that she made an impact far beyond the classroom.
"It is with sadness that we share that one of the fatalities from yesterday’s tragic bus crash involving the Tusky Valley band claimed the life of one of our own," the center said in a Facebook post. "Mrs. Shannon Wigfield was a beloved English Language Arts instructor and was in her 24th year of teaching at BCC. Mrs. Wigfield was adored by her co-workers and students and will be remembered for her loving smile and always positive attitude. Throughout her time at BCC, she coordinated our prom court nominations and crowning moments. To help our students and staff cope with this profound loss and the tragedy that has occurred, counselors and support staff are available for students and staff today and will be for the remaining days this week. We encourage anyone who is struggling to reach out for help. Mrs. Wigfield’s legacy will live on forever in the halls of Buckeye Career Center and in the hearts of all of those she has touched."
Alsept said it has been a difficult 24 hours but that classes are still ongoing. The school has brought in counselors, social workers, community members and even service dogs to help the students through this difficult time.
A social media post from Mindi Lieser-Sherlin noted that Dave Kennat was one of her teachers back in high school.
"He was awesome back in my day, so I can only imagine how cool he was to have as a teacher 20+ years later!" she said in the post. "My heart is broken for all families/friends and the entire community! Please continue to pray for the families/friends/staff/first responders/hospital staff involved in this tragic accident as I’m sure it’s had an impact on each and everyone of you!"
Another post from the Wanake Camp & Retreat Center called Kennat a "friend, faithful alum, volunteer, master gardener, and strong supporter."
In a message to Spectrum News 1, the camp said "his enthusiasm for the ministry, for people, and for fun was contagious."
"Dave’s passion for the Wanake gardens and nurturing the unique wildflowers on site was effervescent," they said in the message. "One could find him often pulling weeds, planting annuals, and thinning/transplanting perennials. Dave enjoyed leading hikes, doing adventurous things, and belaying rock climbing with campers and staff. Behind the scenes Dave was ever the willing servant, helping in the kitchen, with maintenance tasks, and upkeep of the Wanake alumni website, picture galleries, and Facebook page. Dave Kennat was at Wanake for many years, on many days, in many ways, and has impacted many people. The Wanake Family is grateful for his life, is grieving his death, and has the hope of his eternal life in Jesus. Thank you, Dave Kennat, for sharing your life with The Wanake Family!"
Reporter Katie Priefer contributed to this article.