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I-70 Ohio bus crash: High school teacher Dave Kennat who died in tragedy remembered as 'master gardener and faithful alum'

The incident on I-70 in Ohio claimed the lives of six people, including a 56-year-old teacher Dave Kennat from Tuscarawas Valley High School

NEW PHILADELPHIA, OHIO: Moving tributes have been pouring in for Dave Kennat, a 56-year-old high school teacher, who died in the horrifying I-70 bus crash that killed 6 people and left another 18 gravely injured.

The multi-vehicle collision occurred in Etna Township along state Route 310, just before 9 am on Tuesday, November 14, leading at least three of the vehicles to catch fire.

"The chain-reaction crash occurred," when all five vehicles—a charter bus, two commercial vehicles, and two passenger automobiles—were heading west on I-70, according to a news release from the Ohio State Highway Patrol.

NTSB chair Jennifer Homendy stated at a news conference on Wednesday that the second passenger car was crushed between the bus and the commercial vehicle that rear-ended it.

Following the crash, six people were pronounced dead at the scene, including three teens on the Charter bus, which was carrying 54 students and chaperones from Tuscarawas Valley Local Schools.

The three teens have been identified as John W Mosely, 18, Katelyn N Owens, 15, of Mineral City, and Jeffery D Worrell, 18, of Bolivar. Members of Tuscarawas Valley’s high school band were “on their way to perform at the Ohio School Boards Association conference,” according to a statement from Superintendent, Dr Derek Varansky.

Others killed in the crash were Dave Kennat, 56, of Navarre; Kristy Gaynor, 39, of Zoar; and Shannon Wigfield, 45, of Bolivar, who were in the passenger car that was sandwiched between the bus and the semi.

Officials also stated that a total of 15 students and the bus driver were brought to area hospitals following the crash, while other students were taken to a reunification site, according to AP news.

Who was Dave Kennat?

Kennat has been identified as a 56-year-old Tuscarawas Valley High School teacher, who was killed in the horrific crash. His LinkedIn profile revealed that he had been teaching teens for the last 31 years.

One of his former students, Mindi Lieser-Sherlin paid him a heart-warming tribute, "He was awesome back in my day, so I can only imagine how cool he was to have as a teacher 20+ years later!" she said in a Facebook post.

"My heart is broken for all families/friends and the entire community! Please continue to pray for the families/friends/staff/first responders/hospital staff involved in this tragic accident as I’m sure it’s had an impact on each and every one of you!" she continued.

Another post from the Wanake Camp & Retreat Center called Kennat a "friend, faithful alum, volunteer, master gardener, and strong supporter."

The camp remembered Kennat for "his enthusiasm towards the ministry, for people, and for fun was contagious." "Dave’s passion for the Wanake gardens and nurturing the unique wildflowers on site was effervescent," they said in the message to Spectrum News 1.

"One could find him often pulling weeds, planting annuals, and thinning/transplanting perennials. Dave enjoyed leading hikes, doing adventurous things, and belaying rock climbing with campers and staff.”

“Dave Kennat was at Wanake for many years, on many days, in many ways, and has impacted many people. The Wanake Family is grateful for his life, is grieving his death, and has the hope of his eternal life in Jesus,” they continued.