An award winning biology teacher at Mountain Crest High School identified as Larry Litizzette, 56, was hit and killed by a train Saturday afternoon in Spanish Fork Canyon. According to the report, Litizzette was duck hunting with his son when the accident happened.
The Utah County Sheriff’s Office said Litizzette was on the tracks when he was hit. He then fell 20 feet into the river below. His son pulled him out of the water.
Litizzette has been teaching biology for 29 years at Mountain Crest High School in Hyrum. He is described by colleagues as one of the best teachers in school. He had inspired many students to love Biology; one of his former students credits Litizzette as the reason he became a biology teacher.
He is also described as an award-winning teacher whose achievements include winning the prestigious Huntsman Awards for Excellence in Education in 2010. He also won the “Teacher of the Year” award, voted by students and teachers.
Robert Henke, principal at Mountain Crest High School considered Litizzette’s death as a big loss and confirmed that he was a great teacher who was passionate about his teaching. He is an inspiration to many students and they loved his teaching and great personality. Counsellors will be made available in the school to help the students deal with the loss.
Authorities are investigating the accident to answer some of the many unanswered questions that are being asked. As of now, it is not known why he was on the tracks. Also, they will determine if his death was the result of being hit by the train, the fall, or drowning, according to Utah County Sheriff’s Office
The biology teacher leaves behind a wife and three sons.
Christensen & Hymas offers its condolences to the bereaved family and friends of this well-respected teacher. We hope they will find strength from the support and love of relatives, friends, students, and colleagues.
Original article by Sandra Yi of ksl.com
Image courtesy of Wikimedia