CHAPEL HILL, N.C. (WKRC) — Two teachers from Cleveland, Ohio, were killed in a single-car crash on Interstate 85 while transporting their eldest son to college on Friday.
The accident occurred at 1:18 p.m. near Chapel Hill. Authorities confirmed that 50-year-old Maria Nunney was pronounced dead at the scene, while her husband, 55-year-old Donald Nunney, succumbed to his injuries after being flown to a local hospital.
Two other children, aged 14 and 9, were in the vehicle and suffered serious injuries. They are currently receiving treatment at Duke Hospital. According to the North Carolina State Patrol, the family was nearly at their destination when their van veered off the highway, crashed into a wooded area, and caught fire.
The oldest son was traveling in a separate vehicle and stopped on the interstate following the crash. As the incident unfolded, the Cleveland Teachers Union expressed their condolences, stating, “They were incredible teachers and committed parents. Their loss has been devastating for their family and community.”
The accident occurred just before the district's first day of school on Monday, August 19. Authorities noted that the oldest son remains by his siblings' side at the hospital. Troopers emphasized that the family's circumstances have changed drastically due to this tragic event.