TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Pasco County teacher suffered critical injuries when she was reportedly struck by a vehicle and got trapped underneath it.
The incident occurred in the parking lot near the gymnasium at Anclote High School, 1540 Sweetbriar Drive, at about 6:50 a.m. Thursday morning.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a 24-year-old Clearwater man was driving his 2020 Kia Sorento in the back of the school’s parking lot and did not see the teacher, who the school identified as Ciara McKeon, 28, of Lutz.
Witnesses told the Pasco County Fire Rescue he struck the woman, and she got trapped under his vehicle.
According to the FHP, the school resource deputy and some of the administrative staff helped get her out from underneath the car using a car jack.
She was removed from underneath the vehicle and taken to an area hospital, according to the Fire Rescue.
The school district said she was rushed to Tampa General Hospital and remains in critical condition.
“Right now, all we can do is pray for the teacher who was injured and do our best to take care of the students and staff at Anclote High School,’’ said Kurt Browning, Superintendent of Pasco County Schools. “This is a traumatic event for everyone involved. I want to thank Pasco Fire Rescue and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office for their quick response and for their support.”
The school district said McKeon is a physical education teacher at the school and also coaches girls tennis.
“She is very well known on campus and well-liked by students and staff,” Pasco Schools spokesman Stephen Hegarty said.
A crisis team has responded to the school to support students and staff at this time.
It’s still unclear if the driver is facing any charges. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the incident.
