South Windsor High School Teacher Killed In Crash

SOUTH WINDSOR, CT — A Latin teacher from South Windsor High School was killed Tueday morning when the motorcycle he was operating collided with a pickup truck in Wabash County in north-central Indiana.

Around 9:51 a.m., officers from the Indiana State Police and the Wabash County Sheriff’s Department responded to a two-vehicle crash. Preliminary investigation revealed that Alan Beck, 49, was driving a 2001 Triumph Tiger motorcycle eastbound on U.S. 24 and Gregory Clem, 59, of Jonesboro, IN was driving a 2016 Dodge Ram 250 pickup truck southbound, approaching U.S. 24. Clem crossed the westbound lanes of U.S. 24 and pulled into the path of Beck’s motorcycle. The motorcycle struck the truck in the passenger’s side, ejecting Beck from the bike.

Beck, who resided in Woodstock, died at the scene from injuries sustained in the crash. Clem was not injured, Indiana state police said, adding, "neither the use of alcohol nor drugs is suspected as having contributed to the crash."

Kate Carter, South Windsor superintendent of schools, sent this message to staff and family members:

A message to all staff and families…

It is with a heavy heart that I inform you that Mr. Alan Beck, Latin teacher at South Windsor High School, died today in a vehicular accident. His family has given permission to share this information. I know this incredibly sad news will be difficult for the countless students, parents and colleagues who knew him.

While I am a fierce advocate of privacy rights, I cannot help but share the last words he shared with me in a recent email following a communication from my office. I believe Alan would want me to share these words, as I have no doubt he deeply meant them:

I find myself feeling optimism for the future when I think of the fine, decent, young people with whom we work

Mr. Beck’s optimism reflects his commitment to students and his unwavering faith in the next generation.

I recognize this will be heartbreaking information for students, families and staff, and a communication regarding resources and support will come from South Windsor High School Principal, Mr. Frank Rizzuto. Take care of each other.

Kate Carter, Superintendent of Schools

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