Obituaries for 3 students, 1 teacher, 2 parents killed in Ohio bus and semi crash

Canton Repository
Updated ·4 min read
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Three students aboard a chartered bus and three chaperones in an accompanying passenger vehicle died in crash on Tuesday on Interstate 70 westbound in Licking County near the Route 310 interchange in Etna.
Three students aboard a chartered bus and three chaperones in an accompanying passenger vehicle died in crash on Tuesday on Interstate 70 westbound in Licking County near the Route 310 interchange in Etna.

The fiery five-vehicle crash, which included a bus of band students, killed six and injured 18 more members of the Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools community.

Three students, a teacher and two parents died. They were driving to a high school band performance at the Ohio School Boards Association in Columbus.

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The first obituaries memorializing those six lives are now available. This story will be updated as each obituary is published.

The victims are:

  • Katelyn Owens, 15, a high school sophomore from Mineral City

  • Wyatt Mosley, 18, a high school senior from Mineral City

  • Jeffery D. Worrell, 18, a high school senior from Bolivar

  • Dave Kennat, 56, a high school teacher from Navarre

  • Kristy Gaynor, 39, a parent-chaperone from Zoar

  • Shannon Wigfield, 45, a parent-chaperone from Bolivar, who also was a teacher at Buckeye Career Center

Katelyn Owens, 15, of Mineral City

Katelyn N. Owens, 15, of Mineral City. “Everyone is heartbroken & in shock that (you’re) gone,” Aly Doby, a friend of Katelyn, posted on Facebook Wednesday. ”You are the sweetest person I know and you gained your angel wings (too) soon and I truly can’t understand why if I’m being honest. You’re only 15 with so much more to see and experience in the world.”

"Katelyn Nicole Owens, age 15, a vibrant and talented young woman, died Tuesday morning, November 14, 2023, the result of a tragic traffic accident in Licking County. Katelyn leaves behind a legacy of determination and joy," the obituary reads.

To read more, visit the TimesReporter website.

Wyatt Mosley, 18, of Mineral City

Wyatt Mosley, 18, of Mineral City. Senior Wyatt Mosley was the school’s October 2023 Fine Arts Student of the Month. Wyatt was a member of the TVHS Marching Band, Select Choir, Drama Club and track team.
Wyatt Mosley, 18, of Mineral City. Senior Wyatt Mosley was the school’s October 2023 Fine Arts Student of the Month. Wyatt was a member of the TVHS Marching Band, Select Choir, Drama Club and track team.

"John Wyatt Mosley, age 18, of Mineral City, was called home to be with our Lord on Tuesday, November 14, 2023. He was an amazing young man who was instrumentally and vocally talented. He was very humble, caring, funny, intelligent, a very hard worker and seemed always to be ahead of his time throughout his life. Loved deeply by all family and friends, he would lend a hand to anyone in need with great compassion. He enjoyed music, hanging out with his very good friends, programming games and had a love for acting. He will be missed so deeply by all who knew him," the obituary reads.

To read more, visit the TimesReporter website.

Jeffery Worrell, 18, of Bolivar

Jeffery D. Worrell, 18, of Bolivar. Jeffery “JD” D. Worrell was a junior when he was the May 2023 Tuscarawas Valley Fine Arts Student of the Month.
Jeffery D. Worrell, 18, of Bolivar. Jeffery “JD” D. Worrell was a junior when he was the May 2023 Tuscarawas Valley Fine Arts Student of the Month.

"Jeffery David Worrell, of Bolivar, also known as JD and 'Kitten,' was taken from the world at the age of 18 on November 14, 2023. Jeff was a senior attending Tusky Valley High School, where he was in the marching band. He loved being in the band, and was a friend to all. He loved acting, performing in a number of school productions, and was very involved with the choir and performing with the speech and debate team," the obituary reads.

Calling hours will be 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday at the Wilkshire Event Center, 474 Jeanne Anne Ln., Bolivar. Services will be 11 a.m. Saturday at the event center.

To read more, visit the TimesReporter website.

Dave Kennat, 56, of Navarre

Dave Kennat, 56, of Navarre. His love for the outdoors is what defined him, according to his LinkedIn profile. As a teacher at Tuscarawas Valley High School for 31 years, the Navarre resident found ways to marry his dual passions for mathematics and nature.
Dave Kennat, 56, of Navarre. His love for the outdoors is what defined him, according to his LinkedIn profile. As a teacher at Tuscarawas Valley High School for 31 years, the Navarre resident found ways to marry his dual passions for mathematics and nature.

No obituary information has been released yet.

A memorial gathering will be held for Kennat from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday at Sunset Chapel, 6245 Columbia Rd., North Olmstead.

Kristy Gaynor, 39, of Bolivar

Kristy Gaynor, 39, of Zoar. She volunteered her time in the close-knit community of Zoar and Tuscarawas County, including as a parent-chaperone on the bus that crashed Tuesday. When she wasn’t volunteering, she was an account representative at Indian River Graphics.
Kristy Gaynor, 39, of Zoar. She volunteered her time in the close-knit community of Zoar and Tuscarawas County, including as a parent-chaperone on the bus that crashed Tuesday. When she wasn’t volunteering, she was an account representative at Indian River Graphics.

"It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Kristin (“Kristy”) Marie Gaynor on November 14, 2023. She was 39 years old. Born on March 6, 1984, in Mayfield Heights, Ohio, Kristy was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, and mother. She embodied the values of tradition, faith, and family, leaving an indelible mark on all who had the privilege of knowing her," the obituary reads.

Calling hours for Gaynor will be 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at Bolivar Community Church, 241 Pine St. NW, Bolivar. Services will be 5:30 p.m. Sunday at the church.

To read more, visit the TimesReporter website.

Shannon Wigfield, 45, of Bolivar

Shannon Wigfield, 45, of Bolivar, was a bright light for students at the Buckeye Career Center, Superintendent Bob Alsept said. Students knew they could talk to their English teacher about anything from personal matters to schoolwork, he said. Teaching was her passion.
Shannon Wigfield, 45, of Bolivar, was a bright light for students at the Buckeye Career Center, Superintendent Bob Alsept said. Students knew they could talk to their English teacher about anything from personal matters to schoolwork, he said. Teaching was her passion.

"Shannon E. Wigfield 46, of Bolivar, died Tuesday, November 14, 2023 in Licking County. Born May 10, 1977 in Dennison, she was a daughter of Ronald L. and Susan Abbuhl of New Philadelphia. She was a 1995 graduate of Claymont High School, a 2000 graduate of Ohio University and was an English teacher the past 24 years at Buckeye Career Center In New Philadelphia. Shannon enjoyed shopping (especially at Target and Dollar General), crafting and most of all she enjoyed helping others," the obituary reads.

Calling hours for Wigfield will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Monday at the Buckeye Career Center, 545 University Dr. NE, New Philadelphia. Services will be at the career center at 11 a.m. Tuesday.

To read more, visit the TimesReporter website.

This story will be updated.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Obituaries for 3 students, 3 adults killed in fiery Ohio bus crash