HOLIDAY, Fla. — Ciara McKeon has died from her injuries following the Thursday morning crash at Anclote High School, her father confirmed to 10 Tampa Bay.
The previous story is below.
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Students and staff at Anclote High School are coming together to support each other after a popular teacher was seriously injured in a car accident Thursday morning.
An SUV crashed into and pinned Ciara McKeon, 28, underneath the vehicle, Florida Highway Patrol reports. It happened around 6:50 a.m. in the back parking lot of the school, near the gym.
McKeon's family told 10 Tampa Bay she is "fighting to stay alive." Her family said prayers are needed right now during her battle.
McKeon is in critical condition at Tampa General Hospital, Pasco County Schools wrote in a news release.
"Though her condition is serious, we have reason to be hopeful for her recovery," the district wrote.
McKeon has been teaching physical education at the high school for two years and is also the girl's tennis coach. The district adds that "Coach McKeon" is well known and well-liked by students and staff.
FHP is still handling the investigation. When asked if the driver involved will be charged, FHP said charges are pending.
Earlier reports from Pasco County Fire Rescue indicated McKeon was hit and became trapped under the SUV. She was freed from underneath the vehicle and taken to an area hospital by ambulance for treatment.
Troopers say the SUV, driven by a 24-year-old man from Clearwater, did not see McKeon as he was driving.
McKeon went to SUNY Brockport, where she is still very close with her college friends. Two of her close friends from Brockport, Alyssa Mills and Nina Leader, told 10 Tampa Bay, "Ciara truly is the life of the party, she knows everybody and everybody knows her. You will never see her without a smile on. She brings out the fun in everything and everyone around her.
"Her birthday was basically a holiday for our college! She is the first person to jump to save the day and is overall just a stellar human."
The district said a crisis team is on hand at the school for anyone who would like assistance and to talk about the situation.
"Right now, all we can do is pray for the teacher who was injured and do our best to take care of the students and staff at Anclote High School," Superintendent Kurt Browning said in a statement. "This is a traumatic event for everyone involved.
"I want to thank Pasco Fire Rescue and the Pasco Sheriff’s Office for their quick response and for their support."