SC upstate mourns loss of Richland County principal
COLUMBIA, S.C. (WIS) - The South Carolina upstate is mourning the loss of a Richland County School District One principal on Monday.
A funeral was held on Monday afternoon for Jason Koepke, former principal at Forest Heights Elementary School, in Spartanburg.
According to the Richland County Coroner’s Office, 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.
Richland One Superintendent Craig Witherspoon said the district is grieving, but Koepke’s memory will live on.
“Bringing folks together, and being so proud of what the school has done under his tenure, and that memory, and all, will certainly continue to be in our hearts,” he said.
Witherspoon said Koepke was proud of all the accomplishments that the Forest Heights Elementary School had made throughout the year. He said his fondest memory will be the brightly-colored suits that Koepke would wear.
He leaves behind a wife and three kids.
The school district said Koepke recently earned his doctorate degree.
One former colleague Dominic Davis, told WIS Koepke encouraged, inspired and motivated others to become the best version of themselves.
“Koepke rooted for the underdog. Despite being a fan to the disappointing Buffalo Bills, Koepke believed in them and saw their potential for success. I believe he operated with the same lenses when dealing with others. Whether it was his students or staff members. Koepke saw past what others might deem as flaws. He chose to see the best in us”, said Davis
In reference to his work ethic and relationships at work Davis said Koepke chose to see the best in those he surrounded himself with.
Witherspoon tells WIS the districts crisis team has already tended to students and will continue to do so—with an emphasis on when school begins.
“It will be different that impact will be felt, and we want to make sure that we have supports in place to help those that need it at this time,” said Witherspoon.
Anyone looking to send flowers and condolences can send them to Seawright Funeral Home in Inman. The Richland County Coroner’s Office said an autopsy has been conducted but has not provided WIS News 10 a copy or a cause of death
Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with WIS. For more free content like this, subscribe to our email newsletter, and download our apps. Have feedback that can help us improve? Click here.
Copyright 2024 WIS. All rights reserved.
