Students and staff in the Millard School District are dealing with tragedy after longtime teacher Brett Rhodes was killed in a traffic accident near 204th and F Street Saturday evening.
A district spokesperson tells NewsRadio 1110 KFAB Brett Rhodes was the 6th grade science and social studies teacher at Kiewit Middle School.
Kiewit Principal Marshall Smith sent the following message to parents of the students:
"I reach out to you this morning with a heavy heart. We received word last night that our 6th grade science and social studies teacher, Brett Rhodes, was in an automobile accident last night and did not survive. "We wanted to make sure you were informed and had the opportunity to talk with your students before school on Monday. The district crisis team will be at Kiewit on Monday. They are also here today between 10 a.m. to 1 p.m."
Smith's message also said "Mr. Rhodes cultivated a classroom where learning was fun. Students knew they would be welcomed, cared for and encouraged to excel. He was active outside the classroom as well, giving his time for several school committees and coaching hundreds of students during his career. His priority was always to support students in any way he could.
"Mr. Rhodes has been part of our community for twenty-four years. Along with being a teacher, he and his family have many close ties with Millard. He will be deeply missed. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family."
Rhodes had worked for the district for 24 years. Investigators say three vehicles were involved in the crash and four people, including Rhodes, were taken to the hospital.