Nationwide — Rosa Green, a 61-year-old African American educator from Orangeburg County, South Carolina, died after a two-car crash Monday morning, Sept. 28. She was a longtime math teacher at North Middle High School, where she had spent more than two decades teaching students. Her death has left her school district, former students, and the local community mourning the loss of an educator remembered for her dedication both inside and outside the classroom.
The crash happened around 9:20 a.m. at the intersection of S.C. 172 and U.S. 178 in North, South Carolina. The South Carolina Highway Patrol said Green was driving a 2020 Kia Soul west on U.S. 178. At the same time, a 2005 Toyota Sequoia was traveling east on the highway. The Toyota driver attempted to turn left onto S.C. 172 and collided with the Kia.
According to WLTX, Green suffered serious injuries in the crash and was taken to MUSC Health Orangeburg for treatment. Orangeburg County Coroner Sean Fogle later confirmed that she died from injuries related to the collision. The driver of the Toyota was not injured. The South Carolina Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.
School district officials confirmed Green’s death and her role as a mathematics teacher at North Middle High School. The Orangeburg County School District said she had taught in the community for more than 20 years. The district also remembered her as an educator whose dedication to students reached beyond her regular classroom duties.
Former student Keymondrea Summers, who also played basketball at North High School, said Green had a strong influence on her students. Summers recalled that Green regularly went beyond what was expected of her as a teacher and described her as a favorite among students. She also shared a more personal memory, saying many former students did not know that their math teacher was also a talented baker.
Her death comes as the local community remembers the longtime educator and the years she spent working with students. Her career at the school spanned more than 20 years, giving her connections with generations of students and families in the area. Authorities have not announced any additional details about the crash while the investigation remains ongoing.