Jordan Ball, a dedicated and caring 7th-grade teacher and coach at Galesburg Junior Senior High School, was killed Monday afternoon in a car crash on U.S. Route 34 between Oneida and Wataga.
"It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of our dedicated 7th-grade teacher and coach, Jordan Ball. He was a caring educator who touched the lives of countless students at Galesburg Junior Senior High School," the school posted Tuesday morning. "We extend our deepest condolences to the family during this difficult time."
ROE #33's School Crisis Response Team is available in the library throughout the day to support students, parents, and staff.
A GoFundMe is raising money to support Ball's family.
A Monmouth College graduate, Ball, 26, previously taught and coached in the Monmouth-Roseville school district.
The car and semi truck crash happened on U.S. 34 at Knox Road 900 East. Roads were reported to have been slick at the time.
Ball was pronounced dead at the scene.
Illinois State Police are investigating the crash. The highway was closed for hours, but reopened Monday night.
Authorities are urging drivers to use caution as winter road conditions persist in the area.
