A longtime Springfield teacher died Friday afternoon in a multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 44 near the Glenstone Avenue exit.
Jennifer Bryant was a science teacher at Hillcrest High School for 20 years. She taught regular and honors classes in Biology and Physics, and Advanced Placement Biology.
The accident occurred right after school ended.
On Friday at 10 p.m., Hillcrest Principal Rob Kroll sent a memo to members of the Hillcrest school community, including parents.
“We received the incredibly sad news that one of our teachers, Mrs. Jennifer Bryant, has passed away in a car accident,” said Mr. Kroll. My heartfelt condolences to all those affected.” .
“This is a loss to the entire school community.”
Springfield police responded to the crash Friday at 3:22 p.m.
A white semitrailer headed westbound on Interstate 44 left the roadway just west of Route 65, entered the median, went through a cable barrier and guardrail, and crashed eastbound into 2022, according to a news release. The vehicle collided with a Toyota Sienna and a 2006 Toyota. cargo ship.
Bryant, 45, was driving a Toyota Sienna. She died at the scene and her family was notified.
The semitrailer was being driven by Bashir Mohammed, 32, of Minneapolis. He and one of his passengers were injured, but their injuries were not life-threatening.
The driver of the Freightliner suffered minor injuries, but the release did not release his name or say whether the driver’s injuries were serious enough to send him to the hospital.
Police did not provide any other details in a statement, except that the circumstances of the accident are still under investigation.
Each year, the top four students from each of Springfield’s high schools are recognized as part of the Academic Excellence Recognition or ROSE Banquet.
Senior students can select a teacher who has played an outstanding role in their journey and spotlight that teacher at the same banquet. In April 2020, seniors honored Bryant.
Regarding the award, Hillcrest said in a Facebook post that Bryant is “deeply invested in her students, not only academically, but also in their personal growth. She builds genuine relationships with her students. “This relationship fosters a personal connection that fosters positive relationships.” It’s a classroom experience. We are lucky to have Mrs. Bryant in Hillcrest. ”
In a memo sent to Hillcrest parents, Kroll provided a link with tips on how to talk to students about difficult topics, including loss.
“As we help our staff and students work through their grief, we want them to know that we are here to provide support,” Kroll wrote.
“A statement will be read to all students at the school on Monday to help them understand what happened. Trained counseling professionals will be on hand at Hillcrest on Monday to address the grief experienced by staff and students. We will support you to do so.”
Claudette Riley trains newsreaders. Email your tips and story ideas to criley@news-leader.com.
