Community gathers to remember Harrisburg teacher

A small Boone County community is mourning the loss of one of its own.

Brian Simpson, a teacher at Harrisburg R-VIII, was killed in a car crash Thursday afternoon while driving a bus to a cross country meet.

Hundreds of Harrisburg resident gathered at the baseball field Thursday night to pray for Simpson and his family. They then walked around the field.

Simpson also coached baseball and cross country for the school district. Former and current students and players were also in attendance Thursday night.

“It’s a horrible day for Harrisburg for not just him, but for the other students involved,” said Doug Fessler, the school district’s athletic director. “He’ll just never be forgotten in this community and we’ll make sure that never happens.”

The school district canceled classes for Friday and is providing guidance counselors for staff and students.

Simpson leaves behind a wife, who also teaches at the school district, and a child.