Lakeside High School teacher Leah O'Brien on way to prom killed when she was hit by students

Apr 27, 2015 - 18:16
Nov 20, 2016 - 21:17
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Lakeside High School teacher Leah O'Brien on way to prom killed when she was hit by students
Popular: Leah O'Brien was killed when the car she was driving to chaperone the school prom was hit by a vehicle carrying two students also on their way to the dance

DECATUR, Ga. - Lots of hugs, tears and heartache filled the halls of Lakeside High School Monday as students and faculty members moued the loss of Leah O'Brien. The 33 year old teacher died April 25 while she was on the way to chaperon the prom at Febank Museum.

O'Brien was a single mother of two girls--one of whom was in the car with O'Brien when it wrecked. The eight year old girl remains in critical condition. An 18 year old girl and a 19 year old boy--both of whom were O'Brien's students, were in the car that collided into O'Brien's vehicle. Those students suffered only minor injuries, but their principal, Jason Clyne, says both are having a tough time emotionally.

Students fondly remembered O'Brien's service as mentor to young people who want to be teachers, a dance team instructor, and an advisor to the Family Career and Community Service Leaders of America. Her principal described her as remarkable woman who carried herself with dignity and grace.

Students will hold a candlelight vigil for her on April 30 at sunset in front of the school.

Aftermath: The wreckage of the teacher's Hyundai Sonata car which was hit by the student's Dodge Charger

Aftermath: The wreckage of the teacher's Hyundai Sonata car which was hit by the student's Dodge Charger

Shock: Grief counsellors were on hand at Lakeside High School today. Principal Jason Clyne said the accident was 'beyond my comprehension'

Shock: Grief counsellors were on hand at Lakeside High School today. Principal Jason Clyne said the accident was 'beyond my comprehension'

 

 

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Mike Gallagher Mike Gallagher is a Georgia-based freelance journalist covering local news, community developments, and regional issues that matter most to residents across the state. Writing for Georgianewsday.com since 2016, Mike has built a reputation for clear, balanced reporting and a strong connection to the communities he serves. His work spans city council decisions, school board updates, small business features, public safety reports, and statewide policy changes. In addition to local coverage, Mike occasionally reports on state politics and national headlines, offering readers context on how broader decisions impact Georgia communities. Known for his steady, fact-driven approach, Mike prioritizes accuracy, fairness, and accessibility in every story. Whether covering a town hall meeting or breaking political developments, he aims to inform readers with clarity and integrity. Outside the newsroom, Mike remains actively engaged in Georgia’s civic landscape, always seeking the next story that shapes the state’s future.