Columbia elementary school principal dies in crash

COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - An elementary school principal for Richland County School District One died in a crash on Thursday.

According to the Richland County Coroner’s Office, Jason Koepke, 41, from Union, died in a crash on Heyward Brockington Road and Monticello Road in Richland County.

An incident report from the Richland County Sheriff’s Department said a witness at the scene said the crash happened when the car swerved and hit a tree.

By the time deputies arrived, they could not find a pulse, and EMS first responders pronounced the driver dead, the incident report said.

District officials said Friday Koepke was the principal at Forest Heights Elementary School for the past three years. Before that, he worked as the assistant principal at St. Andrews Middle School.

“We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Koepke’s family, and we ask everyone to keep his family and the students and staff at Forest Heights in your thoughts and prayers,” a statement from district officials said.

The school district said the funeral for Koepke will be held on Monday at 4:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Spartanburg on 250 East Main Street.

The school district said Koepke recently earned his doctorate degree.

Anyone looking to send flowers and condolences can send them to Seawright Funeral Home in Inman.

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