Just as the school year was set to begin, tragedy hit home for the Cleveland education community. Maria and Donald Nunney — both respected and deeply loved teachers in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District — were doing what any devoted parents would: dropping their eldest son, Noah, off at college. But what was supposed to be a proud family milestone turned into an unthinkable nightmare.
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What Happened To The Nunney Family?
On Friday afternoon, 50-year-old Maria Nunney and 55-year-old Donald Nunney were driving east on Interstate 40 near Chapel Hill, North Carolina, when their van veered off the road, struck several trees, and slid down an embankment before slamming into a larger tree and catching on fire. The crash, which occurred around 1:18 p.m., tragically claimed both of their lives. According to officials, Maria died at the scene, while Donald succumbed to his injuries shortly after being airlifted to UNC Chapel Hill Hospital.
The couple’s two youngest children, ages 9 and 15, were in the backseat during the crash and suffered severe injuries. They’re currently being treated at Duke Hospital. Additionally, their eldest son, Noah, 19, a sophomore at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, was riding in a separate vehicle behind the car when the accident took place. He witnessed the aftermath as emergency crews worked frantically to help. Furthermore, Noah has since remained by his younger siblings’ side as they recover.
The Community Speaks Out
The news has left the Cleveland Metropolitan School District — where both Maria and Donald worked for years — in mourning. Monday, which marked the first day of school, was heavy with grief across classrooms and hallways.
“They were just incredible teachers, loving and attentive and committed parents,” shared Shari Obrenski, President of the Cleveland Teachers Union. “They were active in the community. Their loss has hit everyone so hard that it is unimaginable for their family and their children. So shocking and heartbreaking and just devastating.”
Additionally, CMSD Communications Officer Jon Benedict told WKYC:
“We can confirm that we will have additional counselors and resources on hand to support the student and staff communities at the many impacted schools. Out of respect for the family, that’s all we’re prepared to say at this very difficult time, other than to say our heart is with them at this very tragic moment.”
A Community Shaken, Searching For Answers
Authorities say the crash involved no other vehicles, and the cause remains unknown. Sgt. Tyler Tucker of the North Carolina State Highway Patrol noted, “Their entire world has changed… It’s hard to say what caused it. No other vehicles were involved, so there will be no charges.” Despite the heartbreak, the Nunneys’ legacy lives on through their children, their students, and the lives they touched both inside and outside the classroom. A GoFundMe has since been launched to support the surviving children as they face a future forever changed.
