Teacher's Sudden Death Prompts Western PA School Closure

SMITHFIELD, PA — A beloved teacher's unexpected death has prompted the Albert Gallatin School District to cancel classes Wednesday at Smithfield Elementary School.

After abruptly sending students in all schools home early on Tuesday, the district announced that Toby Maykuth had died suddenly. Maykuth was a Smithfield kindergarten teacher and was the director of the district's music and drama department.

"On behalf of Smithfield Elementary and the entire Albert Gallatin School District community, we extend our sincere condolences to the family of Mr. Toby Maykuth on this sad occasion," Superintendent Christopher Pegg wrote in a post on the district's social media sites.

Pegg said that counselors, social workers and therapists would be available at all district schools for the remainder of the school year, which ends on June 5.

Reaching out to parents, Pegg stated, "If your son or daughter was close to Mr. Maykuth, we urge you to call the school for additional support."