North Carolina Crash Claims Lives of Beloved Ohio Teachers; Son Steps In to Care for Siblings
CHAPEL HILL, NC – A North Carolina highway crash has left a college student without his parents and thrust into the role of caretaker for his two younger siblings. The tragedy claimed the lives of Donald and Maria Nunney, longtime teachers from Ohio, while they were on a trip to drop their son off at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, according to Fox News .
Parents Killed, Children Injured in Fiery Crash
The crash happened on August 15 as the Nunneys left their hotel to meet their son, 19-year-old sophomore Noah Nunney, for lunch. Their vehicle struck several trees, went down an embankment, and collided with a larger tree.
Maria Nunney, 50, died at the scene. Her husband Donald, 55, was airlifted to the hospital but later died. Authorities believe Donald suffered a heart attack behind the wheel, triggering the accident.
The couple’s two younger children, ages 9 and 15, survived but sustained serious injuries. Noah later told PEOPLE magazine that when he rushed to the scene,
“When I arrived, I thought all four were gone … the way the officer sat me down was truly horrifying.”
Son Balances Grief and Responsibility
Noah said his focus quickly shifted to his siblings’ recovery. His 9-year-old brother sustained multiple broken bones but is now off a ventilator, while his 15-year-old sister, who suffered a brain injury, has begun to walk and communicate again.
“Seeing them improve has really helped me improve mentally with the whole situation,” Noah explained. “My main priority now is making sure they’re going to be OK.”
Family members confirmed that his sister has not yet been told about their parents’ deaths as she continues to recover.
Beloved Educators Remembered in Ohio
Donald and Maria Nunney were beloved teachers in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, remembered for their dedication to students and community.
Shari Obrenski, president of the Cleveland Teachers Union, told local outlet WOIO,
“They were just incredible teachers, loving and attentive and committed parents. Their loss is unimaginable for their family, their children, and our school community.”
The family had planned to spend the day exploring UNC’s campus and nearby attractions before the crash cut their trip short.
Community Rallies With Support
Within hours, support poured in from the UNC community, Morehead-Cain scholarship program, and relatives. A GoFundMe campaign to assist the family has already raised more than $350,000, with organizers remembering Donald and Maria as “amazing and devoted parents” who left behind a legacy of family and love.
Noah, who plans to take the fall semester off to care for his siblings, said he is determined to finish his degree in honor of his parents.
“I know that’s what my parents would’ve wanted,” he told supporters.
Do you believe colleges and communities should do more to support students facing sudden family tragedies? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the conversation at SaludaStandard-Sentinel.com.
