NEOSHO, Mo.— A kindergarten teacher died after she was hit by a vehicle while helping students get into vehicles after school.
School authorities say 48-year-old Angel Hayes died Wednesday after school at Benton Elementary school in Neosho.
Police Chief David Kennedy says Hayes was struck and trapped under an SUV driven by 88-year-old Erwin Parker, who was picking up his granddaughter. Kennedy says the driver’s foot apparently was caught between his vehicle’s brake and accelerator, causing his vehicle to lurch forward and hit Hayes.
Classes were canceled for the rest of the week at the school, which serves kindergarten through fourth grade.
The school district released a statement on the Thursday morning
“Neosho mourns the loss of one of our own, long-time Wildcat Ms. Angel Hayes.
We’ve been blessed to have Ms. Hayes as part of our team at Neosho for 19 years – both at Field Early Childhood and Benton Elementary.
With 25 years and her masters in education from Southwest Missouri State University, it is no question that teaching was her passion. Over the years, her kindergarten classroom has become a staple at Benton. With a natural talent for teaching and a huge heart for her kids, she was a well-known mentor to teachers at Benton and across the District. Her love for her students was undeniable and seen every day through her kind spirit and patience.
Colleagues present and past have commented about Ms. Hayes’ kindness, caring, and selflessness. “She understood uniqueness and differences and she guided them to become their best self academically, socially, and emotionally.” “Angel was always searching for new and best practices, she never stopped learning. We were true collaborators; she was the most selfless coworker.” One co-teacher said “Angel was the perfect name for her.”
When she wasn’t at school, Ms. Hayes spent her time with her family and friends. She was a woman of strong faith who poured herself into her church and community. Her co-teachers remember her as a “jack of all trades,” caring for any person, animal, or situation that crossed her path.
Yesterday was one of those days school administrators pray they will never have to face. Teachers not only teach together, they attend church together, spend time with each other’s families, and raise their own children together. This loss will be felt just as the loss of a family member.
On that note, we would like to commend our Benton Team and the Neosho Police Department for the handling of yesterday’s events. Everyone on scene reacted with swiftness and discipline to divert the parents to the front of the building and allow emergency responders to do their job. Thank you for your tremendous efforts and compassion in this difficult time.
Last, we would like to thank our neighboring schools for their support, prayers, and kind words. It is a blessing to be surrounded by such an incredible education community.
It takes a team to handle tragedies and we thank everyone for being there with us.
We ask for your prayers for Ms. Hayes’ family, the Benton Elementary family, and all of Wildcat Nation.
-Visitation services have been planned for Friday, September 7th from 5-7:00 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Neosho, MO.
-Funeral services will be Saturday, September 8th at 1:30 p.m. at the First Baptist Church in Neosho, MO.