An early morning car crash took the life of a young mother and West Branch elementary school teacher in Butler Township Thursday.
Jennifer Baker, 33, died and her two young children were injured during the head-on collision with a truck about 8:30 a.m. in southern Columbiana County. West Branch school officials scrambled to set up counseling for its students, who learned of the accident during class later in the day.
"Anyone who ever met Jennifer knew that she was born to be a teacher," said West Branch Superintendent Dr. Scott Weingart. "We are absolutely heart-broken and our deepest sympathies go to her husband, her two children and her family. This is a loss to the West Branch community."
According to police reports, Baker, who was not wearing a seatbelt, was heading south on Rochester Road with her children, Jacob, 7, and Madilynn, 4, when Rikki Wheatley, 19, allegedly drove left of center in his truck and hit their car.
Neighbors were first on the scene of the crash.
"Just heard a tremendous crash," said Gail Sharpnack, who lives nearby. "And I was only in my pajamas and I got partially dressed, and came right up here. It was horrifying."
Neighbors had the two children out of the vehicle and laying in a yard off the road by the time rescue crews arrived. They had been sitting in the backseat, said North Georgetown Fire Chief Ed Reichenbach. They were treated and released from a Canton hospital.
Wheatley was taken by medical helicopter to Saint Elizabeth Medical Center, but it's not clear how extensive his injuries were.
According to a press release from Weingart, Baker taught third grade at Beloit Elementary School and had graduated from West Branch High School in 1994. She's been teaching in the district since 1997 and was a member of several teams and committees.
Weingart said counselors were at the school Thursday and that staff met with children during class to explain what had happened. The school will be in session and have grief counselors available Friday, he said.
"I had the good fortune of knowing Mrs. Baker for a long time," Weingart said. "I watched her grow from an outstanding student to an energetic and passionate teacher. She was committed to her students and to her own family."
No charges have been filed in the accident, and the Ohio State Highway Patrol is still investigating.
