Elementary school teacher killed in crash

PERRY TOWNSHIP, Ohio - A fourth grade teacher from Stark County was killed after a single vehicle crash late Thursday night in Perry Township.

The crash happened around 11:30 p.m. on 12th Street NW, west of Whipple Avenue.

Troopers with the Ohio State Highway Patrol Canton Post identified the victim as Christy Gossett, 40, of Massillon.

According to troopers, Gossett was driving a 2002 Dodge Ram 1500 pickup truck westbound when she drove off the right side of the the road.

After driving off the roadway, she lost control and crossed all lanes of 12th Street NW. The truck struck a utility pole and snapped it in half, according to troopers. The truck came to rest in a field. It landed on its driver's side, but there was also heavy damage to the passenger side.

Gossett was pronounced dead at the scene by Stark County Medical Examiner Harry Campbell.  Investigators believe Gossett had been at a bowling league and was likely driving home when the accident happened.

Troopers spent the night taking measurements and reconstructing the accident scene that stretched about 300 feet. They returned to the crash site in the morning. Sgt. John Thorne said it's too early to tell if speed was a factor in the fatal crash.

Neighbor Larry Hagi heard the crash and tried to help Gossett, but there was nothing he could do.

"I just seen a woman die in front of my eyes.  I wanted to try to help, but everybody was telling us not to because the telephone poles were still live," Hagi said.

The Jackson Local Schools superintendent said Gossett was a teacher at Lake Cable Elementary School.  She worked with district for 10 years, instructing the entire time at the same school.

Gossett was married and had three children, ages 5, 8 and 11.

"She was a tremendous educator, a kid-centered, fun, engaging, energetic classroom teacher. She was well respected as a member of the instructional team at Lake Cable," said Chris DiLoreto, superintendent of Jackson Local Schools.

Parents, who have children in Gossett's class, were notified at 7:30 this morning and given the option of whether to send their kids to school. A crisis management team, including counselors, went to Lake Cable to help the kids with their grieving. 

"It's very challenging.  I think you have to look at being age appropriate in how you deliver that message," DiLoreto said.

The crash remains under investigation.