Staff and students across Moberly Schools are reflecting on the death of one of their teachers.

The district announced Friday, Jan. 24 that Ashley Apel, who taught at Moberly Middle School, was one of the three people who were killed after a series of accidents along U.S. Route 63 north of Columbia on Thursday evening. In a statement posted on the district’s website and on social media, Supt. Cristina Wright called Apel’s death, “a devastating blow to our staff, students, and families.” Wright thanked community members for their “outpouring of thoughts and prayers” and added that Apel, “made a significant impact on the lives of so many, and she will be deeply missed.”  Wright also announced that three other people injured in the crash were also teachers at Moberly Schools, and are continuing to receive treatment for their injuries.

Moberly Schools and Apel’s family will host a memorial service Monday evening at 5 p.m. at the Moberly High School Performing Arts Center. The district has made counseling services available for students and staff who need support. Parents of students in need of assistance or support are asked to contact Moberly Schools’ central office.