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Friday, March 29, 2024

Lake Weir teacher dies after suffering medical episode, crashing near school

A Lake Weir High School teacher was killed this morning on his way to work after he suffered a medical episode and crashed his vehicle across from the school.

John Gibb, 31, was killed on Tuesday morning after he experienced a medical emergency and crashed his SUV into a sign, fence, and tree in Marion County.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol incident report, the fatal accident took place at  approximately 8:05 a.m. Gibb was traveling westbound on County Road 464, near the intersection of Oak Road, when he suffered a medical event.

The FHP report stated that Gibb lost control of his SUV, and the vehicle crossed over the center grass median and eastbound lanes of County Road 464. The SUV continued accelerating onto the south grass shoulder, and the front section of the vehicle struck a sign, fence, and tree.

Gibb was the driver and sole occupant of the SUV.

He was transported to a local hospital where he was pronounced deceased by medical staff.

Gibb has been apart of the Marion County Public School system for the past seven years, having worked at Lake Weir High School for six of those. Originally from Marlinton, West Virginia, Gibb moved to Florida in 2015.

Friends and family have taken to social media to mourn Gibb, who taught English and journalism courses at the school.

“John’s been my best friend since 2009, when we met at Marshall University. Truly a real one through thick and thin. Always traveled to see Missy and me, and we’d go to sporting events and national parks, arguing about political stuff all the time but never losing sight of each other’s friendship. I feel most inadequate to be writing a tribute, and it’s decades too soon to do so. Till we meet again, brother. I feel most inadequate to be writing a tribute, and it’s decades too soon to do so. Till we meet again, brother,” said James Baker.