Incident Summary

Incident Summary

• Date & Time: The crash occurred at approximately 1:18 p.m. on Interstate 85 North and Interstate 40 East, near Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

• Vehicle: The family was traveling in a Honda Odyssey.

• Fatalities:

  • Donald Nunney, age 55, was the driver and was airlifted to UNC Chapel Hill but succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.

  • Maria Nunney, age 50, was a passenger and was pronounced dead at the scene.

• Injuries:

  • Their 14-year-old daughter sustained serious injuries and is receiving treatment at Duke Hospital.

  • Their 9-year-old son also suffered injuries but is in stable condition.

• Cause of the Crash: Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle veered off the highway, struck several trees, and then collided with a very large tree, causing the vehicle to stop. The exact cause remains under investigation, with authorities considering factors such as speed or a possible medical emergency.

🏫 Community Impact

Donald and Maria Nunney were long-time educators with the Cleveland Metropolitan School District (CMSD). Their sudden loss has left the community in shock. The CMSD President, Shari Obrenski, described them as “incredible teachers, loving and attentive and committed parents,” noting that their loss has deeply affected everyone.

🕊️ Memorial and Support

As of now, official obituaries have not been published. However, the community is rallying to support the surviving children and to honor the memory of Donald and Maria Nunney. If you wish to express condolences or contribute to memorial funds, please check with local Cleveland news outlets or the Cleveland Teachers Union for updates.