John Mosley, Katelyn Owens Obituary, Death: The Tusky Valley community honors victims of the fatal I-70 bus crash.
John Mosley, Katelyn Owens Obituary, Death – One year after a devastating bus crash on Interstate 70 in Licking County, Ohio, the Tusky Valley community remembers six lives lost: three students and three chaperones from Tusky Valley Middle-High School. On November 14, 2023, these individuals were traveling to a school event in Columbus when a semi-truck rear-ended their charter bus, triggering a multi-vehicle collision.
The accident claimed the lives of three students: John Mosley, 18, and Katelyn Owens, 15, from Mineral City, and Jeffery Worrell, 18, from Bolivar. Tragically, three chaperones also lost their lives: Dave Kennat, a Tusky Valley teacher, Kristy Gaynor from Zoar, and Shannon Wigfield, a language arts teacher from Buckeye Career Center. The impact of the crash caused extensive damage and set off a chain reaction with three other vehicles, one of which carried the chaperones.
Tusky Valley Superintendent Dr. Derek Varansky expressed the profound sadness the community still feels, recalling the joy, encouragement, and kindness these individuals shared. In honor of the anniversary, he announced that school would remain in session to provide support and normalcy for students but clarified there would be no district-organized events, allowing the families a day of private reflection.
In remembrance, a Memorial Walk/Run is scheduled for Sunday, November 17, at the school stadium. Beginning with a moment of silence and community prayer, the event invites participants to walk or run in honor of the six lives lost, marking each lap or hour as a tribute to their memory.
Meanwhile, Jacob McDonald, the semi-truck driver responsible for the crash, faces 26 charges, including vehicular homicide, vehicular assault, and assault, underscoring the lasting impact of this tragedy on the community and the ongoing pursuit of accountability.
