Brian Simpson, a history teacher and cross country coach at Harrisburg High School, died after a bus crash on Thursday afternoon. Simpson was driving the five-girl cross country team to a meet in Moberly when a Dodge Ram crossed the center lane and struck the bus head-on.
The Boone County Fire District were first to arrive on the scene, according to the district’s director Gale Blomenkamp.
“Four of the girls escaped the bus upon the fire districts arrival and a firefighter was able to pull the fifth girl out of the roof hatch to safety,” said Blomenkamp.
Four girls were sent to University Hospital in Columbia.
“Brian made an effect on many lives and will be missed,” said Kyle Fisher, principal of Harrisburg High School.
Harrisburg High School canceled classes on Friday, but opened the school for students and teachers to receive counseling. Fisher said the counselors will continue to provide support for the next few weeks.
Superintendent of Harrisburg School District Steve Combs said in a press release Thursday that the district’s first priority is to tend to the well-being of Simpson’s family and the school’s students.
An assembly to remember Simpson is currently being planned and details will be available soon.