Vienna Teacher's Death 'A Void That Can Never Be Entirely Filled'

VIENNA, VA — A Vienna special education teacher and varsity football coach at Madison High School was killed in a Capital Beltway accident on Saturday, June 24.

Leonard Schultz, 52, was hit by a box truck at the split of the Capital Beltway, Interstate 95 and Interstate 395 in Springfield, NBC Washington reported. His nephew Albert Schultz, also hit, is in critical condition in the hospital.

The truck's driver Carlos Alberto Garcia, 42, was charged with reckless driving and was not injured.

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Lenny Schultz became the head football coach in 2011 after being an assistant coach. A 1983 graduate of Madison, he also served as a special education teacher. As a student competing in football and wrestling, he was inducted into the school's athletic hall of fame, according to The Washington Post.

Nick Conforti, a wide receiver who just graduated from Madison, told The Post Schultz was “one of the few coaches who loved every player more than himself.”

Principal Gregory Hood wrote in a letter to the Madison community,

It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the news that our varsity football coach, Lenny Schultz, died yesterday in a traffic accident. As a central figure in our school and the entire community, we understand that many will be affected in some way by this tragedy. It's important to deal openly with the subject and comfort each other. Parents, we recommend that you fully discuss the subject of Mr. Schultz's death with your teen and expect a wide range of emotions.

As a special education teacher and our football coach, Mr. Schultz was known to be a kind, compassionate and thoughtful person. His friendship, guidance, and leadership will be greatly missed. An educator for more than two decades, Mr. Schultz was thoroughly devoted to the Madison High School community. Those who knew Mr. Schultz understood him to be a person of integrity whose life and dedication to his students, staff and community were an inspiration to all of us. I know I speak for our faculty and students, as well as myself, when I tell you that Mr. Schultz's death has left a void that can never be entirely filled. We were privileged to know and work with him.

Beginning tomorrow, counselors and members of a FCPS crisis response team will be available to meet with any students and staff who need support in dealing with this news. We are taking every step we can to be responsive to the needs of our students and their families. Keep us informed if there are ways we can support you. Administrators, coaches and counselors will also be meeting today with members of the football team to discuss the situation and provide support and guidance.

We all share in the Schultz family’s loss and grief. Thank you for your support and understanding.

Image via Fairfax County Public Schools