The Cleveland community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Donald Nunney, a beloved CMSD teacher, and his wife, Maria Nunney, who both died in a tragic car accident Friday afternoon in North Carolina.
The fatal crash occurred around 1:30 p.m. near mile marker 161 on Interstate 85 north/Interstate 40 east, close to U.S.-70 and Chapel Hill, according to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP). Officials reported that the couple’s vehicle veered off the road and caught fire in the woods near the highway.
Troopers confirmed that four people were inside the vehicle at the time of the crash. Two of the occupants — Donald and Maria — were killed, while three others sustained injuries. One survivor was airlifted from the scene by medical helicopter, and the other two were transported by ambulance for treatment.
Donald Nunney was deeply respected as an educator within the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, where he was known for his dedication to students and his ability to inspire those around him. Both he and Maria were cherished members of their community, remembered for their warmth, kindness, and love for their family and friends.
News of their passing has sent shockwaves through the CMSD family, with colleagues, students, and parents extending heartfelt condolences to the couple’s loved ones. Their deaths mark a profound loss for both the Cleveland community and the educational field.
The investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing, according to the NCSHP.
As their family, friends, and the CMSD community grieve, tributes continue to pour in for Donald and Maria, whose legacy of love, service, and dedication will not be forgotten.
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