Kane Co. School Closed Friday After Teacher Dies In Crash

KANE COUNTY, IL – A Kane County elementary is closed Friday after one of its teachers was killed in a crash. Michael Cessna, 61, a physical education and health teacher at Lily Lake Grade School in Maple Park, died after his car collided with a semi truck on Route 64 near Elburn. Cessna, of Sycamore, was driving a Chevrolet Silverado east on Route 64 east of Prairie Street in unincorporated Virgil Township when the collision occurred around 9 a.m., authorities said.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Todd E. Stirn, superintendent of Burlington-based Central Unit District 301, told parents in an e-mail that Lily Lake Grade School would be closed Friday so students and staff can take the time to mourn the death of Cessna, according to the Daily Herald. He also said professional help would be available for anyone who may need it from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Friday.

The driver of the semi was transported to Delnor Hospital for injuries that were not considered life-threatening.

Authorities said it was not immediately clear why the Chevrolet crossed the centerline. The collision shut Route 64 from Route 47 to Meredith Road for several hours on Thursday.

The Kane County Sheriff's Office is investigating the crash.

No citations have been issued.

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