Teacher Hit, Trapped By Vehicle At Anclote High School Dies

PASCO COUNTY, FL — A teacher rushed to a nearby hospital after being struck by a Kia Sorrento in the rear parking lot of Anclote High School in Holiday has died from her injuries.

According to Florida Highway Patrol, 28-year-old teacher Ciara McKeon of Lutz was walking across the parking lot near the school gymnasium at 6:50 a.m. Feb. 11 when she was struck by the Sorento driven by a 24-year-old Clearwater man.

Troopers said the man simply didn't see her at that time of the morning when it's still dark.

The crash trapped McKeon beneath the SUV. A school resource officer responded quickly with assistance from Anclote staff and students who were near the car loop. Pasco County deputies and Pasco Fire Rescue arrived soon after.

McKeon was taken to Tampa General Hospital with critical injuries. She died the following day.

School officials said McKeon taught physical education at Anclote High School for two years and served as the girl’s tennis coach. They said she was well known on campus and well-liked by students and staff.

Following the teacher's death, the Pasco County Schools Crisis Team reported to Anclote High School to support students and staff.

“This is a traumatic event for everyone involved," said Kurt Browning, superintendent of Pasco County Schools. "I want to thank Pasco Fire Rescue and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office for their quick response and for their support.”

In a message to staff, students and parents, Anclote High School Principal Vanessa Moon urged them to remember "the amazing person that Coach Ciara McKeon was."

"Let’s remember her positive outlook and her smiling face, and appreciate the huge impact she has had on our students – and on all of us," Moon said. "She was an integral part of our school community and will never be forgotten."