Emporia teacher dies from lightning strike
By The Emporia Gazette (Contact)
Friday, September 16, 2011
Students and staff at Emporia High School are struggling with the loss of one of their own.
Patty Gilliam, a Spanish teacher at the high school for five years, died Wednesday at Stormont-Vail Hospital in Topeka. A resident of New Strawn, Gilliam was struck by lightning Saturday evening as she was riding her bicycle across John Redmond Dam. Emergency personnel transported her to Coffey County Hospital, and she was transferred to Topeka.
“She’s a dearly loved teacher by the students, the staff, the parents, everyone,” said Principal Scott Sheldon. “Losing Patty, it’s just very hard for everybody on so many different levels. She was just a very special person, and it’s devastating.”
Extra counseling services have been made available at the school for students and staff members who may need help dealing with the loss.
“We had middle school counselors, elementary school counselors, a number of people who were available,” Sheldon said. “Plus our folks, who really stepped up and helped out.”
Staff members who plan to attend Friday night’s game are encouraged to wear their staff shirts to show their support. Staff and students in attendance will gather on the track before the game to observe a moment of silence.
Plans for funeral services have not yet been released.
cookatwork (anonymous) says...
This has been a hard week at the high school. The news of Ms. Gilliam's accident and Ms. Grimm's illness has had my son a little out of sorts. Many prayers for both families and Ms. Grimm's recovery.
September 15, 2011 at 7:20 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )