Married Ohio teachers killed in fiery out-of-state crash while dropping eldest son off at college

Two beloved Ohio teachers – and parents of four children – were tragically killed in a fiery crash while dropping their eldest son off at college in North Carolina, according to authorities and reports.

Maria Nunney, 50, and Donald Nunney, 55, were traveling east on Interstate 40 near Chapel Hill Friday afternoon when their Honda Odyssey veered off the road and struck several small trees before sliding down an embankment and slamming into a large tree, the North Carolina Highway Patrol told WNCN.

Maria, riding in the passenger seat, died at the scene, while her husband, who was driving the minivan, was pronounced dead shortly after being airlifted to a nearby hospital.

The couple were both longtime educators in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, where classes began Monday, leaving the school community in shock, WOIO reported. 

“They were just incredible teachers, loving and attentive and committed parents,” Shari Obrenski, President of the Cleveland Teachers Union, told the outlet.

“They were active in the community. Their loss has hit everyone so hard that it is unimaginable for their family and their children. So shocking and heartbreaking and just devastating.” 

Officials said the couple, who had their two youngest children in the backseat, were nearing the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where their oldest son, Noah, is a sophomore, when their car suddenly careened off the road and crashed. 

The two children, ages 9 and 15, were transported to a local hospital with severe injuries, according to a GoFundMe launched by the devastated family. 

Noah, 19, was riding in a separate car when the horror unfolded and has since remained at his sibling’s bedside as they recover, authorities said.

“Their entire world has changed,” Sgt. Tyler Tucker told the outlet. 

“It’s hard to say what caused it. No other vehicles were involved, so there will be no charges.”

Maria’s brother, Sandro Galindo, said his loved ones leave behind a legacy defined by their love and devotion to their children, family and students.

“Maria and Donald were more than amazing and loving parents,” Galindo said in the fundraiser, which raised nearly $150,000 as of Tuesday. 

“They were also a devoted son and daughter, siblings, caring teachers, and friends. They gave so much of themselves to their students and their community. Maria and Donald leave behind a legacy of community, family, and love, all rooted in the devotion they had for their children and their family.”

The crash is still under investigation.