Kansas teacher dies after collision. ‘Anyone who ever met her is a little bit better’
A Kansas high school teacher has died after an accident Friday in McPherson County.
Ashley Austin, 30, of Inman, was an agriculture education teacher at the Canton-Galva High School. She died Tuesday from injuries sustained in an accident, the school district said in social media post.
The three-vehicle crash was reported around 7:40 a.m. along Kansas Highway 56 between Canton and Galva, a news release from the McPherson County Sheriff’s Office said.
Investigators and witnesses said the one of the vehicles had crossed the center line before the collision, according to the release.
Austin was taken to a McPherson hospital and then to a Wichita hospital.
A native of Goshen, Indiana, Austin graduated from Kansas State University. She most recently lived in Inman with her husband, Kane Austin, a livestock judging team coach at Hutchinson Community College.
In addition to teaching, Austin was an FFA advisor for the school district. Formerly known as Future Farmers of America, FFA is a national high-school based organization “that is an integral part of an agricultural education program,” Kansas FFA foundation executive director Beth Gaines told The Eagle.
Gaines noted that Austin was the first agriculture education teacher hired by the school district and was recognized by many for her ability to connect with people.
“She was fast becoming an expert in the area of agriscience research projects and other teachers around the state frequently consulted with her about how to best teach and share those research principles with their students,” Gaines said. “She was kind and lit up a room when she entered and anyone who ever met her is a little bit better after that interaction.”
The funeral will be held in Indiana. A celebration of life is being planned in Kansas for the community, fellow agriculture teachers and current and former FFA members, Gaines said. Details have not yet been finalized.
Austin’s husband shared a post on Facebook about his wife.
“I can only imagine what my bride is seeing and experiencing firsthand tonight,” Kane Austin said. “She is home with her creator. Thank you for all the love and support over the last few days. The prayers were so appreciated and answered as she is in no pain and in paradise.”
A memorial fund for Austin has been set up by the Kansas FFA Foundation. Donations can be made online by using the following link: https://form-renderer-app.donorperfect.io/.../kan.../aaustin
Those who would prefer to mail a check can send it to Kansas FFA Foundation, 110 Umberger Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506.
“She has left a gaping hole in the hearts of many — not only here in Kansas — but across the country and beyond,” Gaines said.
