School teacher, wife and 2 sons who died in boat crash had just moved from Atlanta
A Savannah relatives that shed 4 people today in a boat crash around the weekend experienced ties to the Atlanta region.
The accident occurred on the Wilmington River in Savannah at all around 10:30 a.m. Saturday. Two boats coming in reverse directions slammed into each other, killing 5 individuals and injuring 4 far more.
Chris Leffler, who was a historical past instructor at a Christian faculty in Savannah, was killed along with his wife, Lori, and his two sons, 23-calendar year-old Zach and 17-yr-old Nate.
The Lefflers’ daughter, Katie, and a pal survived the crash.
A man on the other boat, 37-12 months-previous Robert Chauncey, was also killed. That boat’s driver, 45-calendar year-outdated Mark Stegall, was arrested for boating below the influence.
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Channel 2 Motion News has discovered that the Leffler family members had just moved to Savannah a number of months ago and that Chris Leffler earlier taught at King’s Ridge Christian Faculty in Alpharetta.
Dr. Edward Spurka is the head of the college and spoke to Channel 2′s Justin Carter Monday night time.
“It took the wind out of our total group,” Dr. Spurka stated.
Spurka stated Chris Leffler was usually very first to get there and previous to go away.
“He cherished our school. He beloved our youngsters. He was a father figure to just about every pupil,” Dr. Spurka stated.
He explained Chris Leffler loved instructing so significantly, he recently took a group of learners to Italy in January.
“We prayed and we apprehensive about sending little ones overseas since they have to get tested and fearful about young children staying back, and Chris was always adamant about he would do just about anything for our children. And we could have in no way pulled it off without having him,” Dr. Spurka claimed.
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Dr. Spurka also mentioned Nate Leffler played football for King’s Ridge.
“They cherished the faculty. They beloved their buddies,” Dr. Spurka reported.
ABC Information spoke with two boaters who saw the boats times before the crash. In all, nine people were being on the two boats headed in opposite directions when they crashed.
“It’s a really, incredibly sharp corner,” Stepp Syndor explained. “They have been heading so fast, so there is no way that they could have, you know, corrected. And then when they strike, the damage was sizeable. Everyone flew out of the boat.”
Chris Leffler most just lately labored as a background trainer and coach at Calvary Working day Faculty, a private Christian college in Savannah.
“We like the Leffler spouse and children and our hearts are damaged. I want to thank all of the to start with responders and absolutely everyone who carries on to pray for the Calvary community and the Leffler loved ones. Absolutely everyone that appreciates them has witnessed faith in motion. Chris, Lori, Zack, and Nate have been loved by so quite a few and will be missed dearly,” Dr. Hunter Chadwick said in a assertion.
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“Chris was wonderful at creating associations with pupils, mom and dad and friends. He was an outstanding teacher, coach, and he was a buddy. Nate, a senior at Calvary Day, experienced a peaceful demeanor, contagious smile and enthusiasm for athletics. He was very well-appreciated by his peers, was a excellent brother and a loving son.”
The university has established up a memorial fund in the Leffler’s honor.
Channel 2′s ABC affiliate WJCL Information 22 got a image of Stegall chatting with the police on the river Saturday.
According to general public records, he owns several eating places throughout the minimal state. He is also an avid boater and owns many boats.
Section of Pure Sources investigators said they will keep on to investigate for another six to 8 months.
A prayer vigil will be held Tuesday at 6 p.m. at the King’s Ridge university student center in honor of the Leffler loved ones and to pray for therapeutic for Leffler’s daughter Katie and her mate who survived the crash.
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