Warden killed in accident on first day of school: police officers

The principal of a Missouri school district has died in a crash on the first day of classes, officials say.

Two teenagers were also seriously injured in the collision, which happened around 7:15 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, in Polk County. according to the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Matthew Bushey, identified as the superintendent of the Dadeville School District, was pronounced dead at the scene after the head-on collision.

The 16-year-old driver was taken to a hospital in Springfield in a separate vehicle, and the 17-year-old passenger was taken to another hospital by ambulance, according to the Highway Patrol.

A Ford F-150 driven by a 16-year-old crossed the center line and then struck Bush’s Volkswagen Jetta head-on, officials said.

School district officials announced Bush’s death Wednesday afternoon.

“It is with a heavy heart that I share with you the passing of Superintendent Matt Bushey,” several school districts said in a joint statement. “Dr. Bushey died in a car accident this morning before the first day of school. As you know, it’s the first day of school and we understand the emotions our staff and students are feeling.”

Bushy, 48 years old, worked in Dadeville School District at least 18 years oldaccording to the Springfield News-Leader.

“Dadeville is very proud of its school district, so I know today is a devastating loss for everyone there,” Doug Hayter, executive director of the Missouri Association of School Superintendents, told the News-Leader.

Dadeville is located in southwest Missouri about 35 miles northwest of Springfield.