Midlands elementary school principal dies in car wreck
A Columbia elementary school principal died Thursday afternoon in a car wreck on Heyward Brockington Road in northern Richland County, authorities said.
Jason M. Koepke, 41, was the principal of Forest Heights Elementary School, Richland District One Superintendent Craig Witherspoon said.
Koepke, who was driving a gray Honda, was witnessed swerving before striking a tree on Heyward Brockington and Monticello roads, according to an incident report. Deputies discovered Koepke inside the vehicle without a pulse. Emergency responders later pronounced him dead on the scene.
“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,” Witherspoon said.
Koepke, of Union, had been principal at Forest Heights for three years. He previously was an assistant principal at St. Andrews Middle School.
“The district’s Crisis Team has been activated to provide support and counseling to any students and staff who may need assistance in dealing with the news of Mr. Koepke’s death,” Witherspoon said.
Funeral services for Koepke will be held Monday, June 24, at 4:30 p.m. at First Baptist Church of Spartanburg, according to a Richland One news release. The release added that Koepke had recently earned a doctorate degree.
This story was originally published June 21, 2024 at 2:51 PM.
