A student-favorite teacher at Ocean Springs High School was killed in a car crash Wednesday morning.
Kennon Barton, 41, was traveling westbound on I-10 between Escatawpa and Gautier when the accident involving an 18-wheeler took place, according to WLOX.
The 41-year-old began teaching English and dual-credit classes at OSHS in 2019 and quickly found success in the classroom. Just last month, Barton was the recipient of the Keesler Federal Credit Union Impact Educator Award.
The school district mourned the loss of Barton on social media.
“Ocean Springs School District is saddened to learn of the passing of beloved OSHS teacher, Mr. Kennon Barton,” the post reads. “Words do not do justice to what Mr. Barton meant to his coworkers and our students. He was truly kind and genuinely cared for every individual that walked our halls.”
Ocean Springs School District is saddened to learn of the passing of beloved OSHS teacher, Mr. Kennon Barton.
Words do not do justice to what Mr. Barton meant to his coworkers and our students. He was truly kind and genuinely cared for every individual that walked our halls. pic.twitter.com/k25kMaL5x8
— Ocean Springs School District (@OSSDGreyhounds) June 7, 2023
As of now, the Mississippi Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash. The driver of the semi-truck has not been charged with any crimes.
Barton was also an avid musician. His band, “Party at the Moontower,” performed often at The Government Street Grocery in downtown Ocean Springs and at Hard Rock Café in Biloxi.
No funeral arrangements have been released at this time.
