Wiregrass Ranch Teacher Collapses, Dies

Wiregrass Ranch High School students are starting off the year without one of their favorite teachers.

According to The Tampa Tribune, Chris Bounnell, 54, died Tuesday after he collapsed during an afterschool soccer game. Bounnell taught science at the school and is a former football and weightlifting coach. He had worked at Wiregrass since its 2006 opening and previously taught at Zephyrhills High School.

The St. Petersburg Times is reporting that paramedics were called out to help Bounnell, but he couldn’t be revived.

"We are all grieving this tragedy," Summer Romagnoli, the school district's spokeswoman, said in an email to Patch. "Our primary concern right now is to tend to the needs of Mr. Bounnell’s family, friends, our students and staff during this difficult time. We are grateful that Mr. Bounnell graced our school with his smile and fervent passion to help students succeed."

Romagnoli said a Crisis Intervention Team is serving the school.

"An increased level of individual and group counseling services are available," she said. "We will continue to provide these services to students and staff as long as they are needed."