Bradenton plans memorial for Freedom Elementary teacher killed in tragic accident

Parents, former students and other loved ones are mourning the loss of a Freedom Elementary School teacher who was hit by a car and died from his injuries.

Jeffrey Wilson was in the crosswalk with his wife and daughter when a car rounded a corner, hitting Wilson and his wife in downtown St. Petersburg Saturday evening, according to a Facebook post.

Wilson, who works as a physical education teacher at Freedom, suffered a severe head injury and was taken to the trauma unit ICU at Bayfront Medical Center, according to the post.

Wilson’s wife also suffered several injuries.

Michael Barber, the School District of Manatee County’s communications director, confirmed that Wilson passed away Tuesday morning. He said the district is respecting the family’s privacy.

“The School District of Manatee County mourns the loss of Freedom Elementary School Physical Education Teacher Jeffrey Wilson,” Barber said in a statement provided to the Bradenton Herald. “Our heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the Wilson family and the Freedom Elementary School community.”

In a Sunday evening Facebook post, the Freedom Elementary School Facebook page called it a tragic accident. The school provided the latest public update Monday morning.

“[Wilson] no longer has brain activity. He is getting no treatment at this time and we are told he is pain-free. I have a verbal order to ‘do not resuscitate.’ We are waiting on the Organ Team to start the process,” a post on the page read.

Memorial planned for Freedom PE teacher

Freedom Elementary School principal Guy Grimes is encouraging the Freedom community to write a prayer or note to the Wilsons attached to a small flag as part of a memorial, according to a post on the page.

The flags will be placed in the school’s courtyard and will be given to the Wilson family when they return home, according to the post. The school is providing flags and materials under the covered area by the main office doors, 9515 State Road 64, Bradenton.

Some members of the community emphasized Wilson’s impact on Freedom Elementary children and families.

“Coach has been an amazing role model in this community for so long. He’s helped our kids grow as leaders, and now they share his passion for health and fitness,” one Facebook user wrote.

Another Facebook user wrote that Wilson’s passion for supporting the school was integral in building a warm and welcoming community for students to thrive.

“Coach Wilson was so, so kind to both our daughters. He was a wonderful role model to all. You could always see his love for the school, the children and the Veterans program,” the user wrote.