Teacher of the Year killed in crash with out-of-control car, Georgia troopers say
An adored high school educator was among two people killed in a crash on a Georgia highway, state troopers say.
Lori McWhorter, 42, was named the 2022-23 Teacher of the Year for Walker County Schools, according to the district. Now, the northwest Georgia community is mourning the “irreplaceable void” of her loss.
The two-vehicle wreck happened at about 2 p.m. Friday, Sept. 29 on State Route 1 in Chattooga County, Georgia State Patrol said in a preliminary report obtained by McClatchy News.
Investigators said a Jeep Wrangler was heading south when the driver lost control. The SUV veered across the grass median and into the northbound lanes, where it struck a Hyundai Sante Fe.
Both drivers were killed, according to the report.
Troopers confirmed McWhorter was driving the Hyundai. The Jeep driver was identified as 69-year-old David Lopez of Rome.
McWhorter taught business and entrepreneurship courses at LaFayette High School, according to an online obituary. She also started Rambler Customs, a school business aimed at teaching students hands-on skills to help prepare them for the real world.
Her “unwavering passion for education and her dedication to nurturing the potential in every student made her an embodiment of inspiration to all who had the privilege of knowing her,” the district said in a statement.
“This school year, Mrs. McWhorter’s dedication and passion were recognized as she was honored as both the Teacher of the Year for LaFayette High School and the Walker County Schools System,” it continued.
Her funeral is set for Wednesday, Oct. 4, the obituary says. She is survived by her husband and two sons.
Troopers didn’t release additional details but said the crash is under investigation.
Chattooga County is about 90 miles northwest of downtown Atlanta.
This story was originally published October 2, 2023 at 2:18 PM with the headline "Teacher of the Year killed in crash with out-of-control car, Georgia troopers say."