CLEVELAND, OH — The Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD) community is grieving the devastating loss of Donald and Maria Nunney, who tragically died in a fiery car crash in North Carolina on Friday afternoon. The beloved teacher and his wife are being remembered for their warmth, dedication, and the countless lives they touched both inside and outside the classroom.
Fatal Crash in Orange County, North Carolina
According to the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP), the accident occurred around 1:30 p.m. Friday near mile marker 161 on Interstate 85 North and Interstate 40 East, close to US-70 and Chapel Hill.
Authorities reported that a single vehicle veered off the highway and into nearby woods, where it caught fire. Troopers confirmed that four people were inside the vehicle at the time of the crash.
Two occupants, later identified as Donald and Maria Nunney, were pronounced dead at the scene.
Survivors Rushed to Hospitals
The NCSHP said the remaining three occupants were seriously injured. One was airlifted by a medical helicopter to a nearby trauma center, while the other two were transported by ambulance for emergency care. Their current conditions have not yet been released.
Investigators are working to determine what caused the vehicle to leave the roadway. Early reports indicate no other vehicles were involved in the collision.
Remembering Donald and Maria Nunney
Back in Cleveland, news of the tragedy spread quickly through the CMSD community. Donald Nunney, described by colleagues as a passionate and dedicated educator, had been teaching for years and was known for his deep commitment to his students’ growth.
“Mr. Nunney was more than a teacher — he was a mentor, a role model, and a friend to so many of our children,” said a fellow staff member. “His loss is immeasurable.”
Maria Nunney, his wife, was remembered as a loving partner and a constant supporter of her husband’s career and community work. Friends described the couple as inseparable, with their relationship serving as a model of kindness and love.
Outpouring of Condolences
Condolences have been pouring in from family, friends, students, and staff since the tragic news broke. Many have taken to social media to share memories and words of comfort.
“Heartbroken for the Nunney family and the entire CMSD community,” one former student posted. “He always believed in us when no one else did.”
Another tribute read: “Donald and Maria had such a strong presence in every room they entered. They made people feel cared for and valued.”
A Community in Mourning
The Cleveland Metropolitan School District released a statement expressing sorrow at the loss, while also emphasizing support for grieving students and staff. Counseling resources are being made available to those impacted.
“Our district has lost not only an extraordinary teacher but also a beloved couple who embodied compassion and service,” the statement read. “We extend our deepest sympathies to their family, friends, and everyone whose lives were touched by Donald and Maria.”
Roadway Safety and Investigation
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol continues to investigate the cause of the crash. Authorities have not released details about the vehicle’s occupants beyond confirming the fatalities and injuries.
Traffic in the area was heavily delayed Friday afternoon as emergency crews worked to extinguish the flames and tend to the victims.
Looking Ahead
Memorial plans for Donald and Maria Nunney are expected to be announced in the coming days. Friends and colleagues say they hope to celebrate their lives by honoring the dedication, love, and inspiration the couple shared with so many.
As Cleveland mourns this tragic loss, the legacy of Donald and Maria Nunney lives on in the students they inspired, the friends they uplifted, and the family who will forever cherish their memory.