BRADENTON, FLA.: Authorities and local media reported that three people — including two Northeast Ohio teachers — were killed Thursday in a crash on Interstate 75 in southwest Florida.
The Florida Highway Patrol reported that Diane Kiffner, 67, was driving an SUV north on I-75 in Manatee County when a tow truck moved into her lane and sideswiped her. The SUV began to spin and then overturned.
Investigators say two passengers, Twinsburg residents Leonard May, 68, and Lana May, 65, both died at the scene. Kiffner and a third passenger, Paul Kiffner, 69, were taken to a nearby hospital, where Diane Kiffner died.
Authorities said the tow truck hit a tree and fence, and the driver sustained minor injuries.
The Sarasota Herald- Tribune reported that the Kiffners were formerly Chagrin Falls residents.
In a message posted on the Chagrin Falls school district’s website, Superintendent Robert Hunt said Paul Kiffner formerly served on the school board and Leonard May was a respected English teacher, coach and athletic director for the district. He said Lana May served as an elementary teacher in the Mentor school district.
Hunt said Leonard “Lenny” May served as the English department chairperson and “was known for his passion for teaching and working with his colleagues.” He also served as adviser to the Tiger Times, the school newspaper and was recognized as the Chagrin Falls Teacher of the Year in 1987.
In Leonard May’s 12 years as athletic director, district teams won four state championships and finished as state runners-up three times.
“As much success and growth that occurred on the athletic field under his tenure, Lenny’s focus and priority remained on the development of the ‘student’ in student-athlete,” Hunt’s statement said. “He, along with his wife, Lana, dramatically impacted young people throughout their careers.”