Nationwide — The family and community of Morgan Ray, a 37-year-old African American assistant middle school principal from Aurora, Colorado, are mourning her tragic death following a car crash on Interstate 25. She was pronounced dead at the scene, but her 4-year-old daughter, however, miraculously survived. Loved ones say Ray had dreamed of becoming an educator since she was a child and went on to dedicate her life to helping young people succeed.
“Morgan always wanted to be a teacher,” her mother, Jimmie Nooner, told CBS affiliate KCNC. “In kindergarten, her teacher said, ‘I hope you don’t mind — Morgan is grading papers. She knows how to do the key.’”
According to the Lone Tree Police Department, the fatal single-vehicle crash occurred on northbound I-25 on Oct. 28. Family members said the two were returning home after spending the night at her mother’s house. Despite the vehicle rolling over twice, the child was found uninjured. “It’s very difficult to think about her watching her mom die in front of her,” Ray’s sister, Keni Nooner, said through tears.
According to People, Ray was remembered as a passionate and determined educator. A graduate of George Washington University and Howard University, she eventually moved to Colorado and became the assistant principal at KIPP Northeast Denver Middle School, where colleagues described her as a devoted leader and mentor. “She had a tough shell, but inside she was incredibly loving and caring,” her sister said. “She was a fierce power to be reckoned with, and she loved what she loved very hard.”
In a statement to PEOPLE, KIPP Colorado Public Schools said, “Morgan was a deeply committed educator who believed in the brilliance of every child, especially our students who have historically been overlooked or underestimated. She worked each day to ensure students felt seen, heard, challenged, and held to high expectations. Her impact was profound and will be felt in our classrooms and hearts for years to come.”
A GoFundMe campaign has been created to support Ray’s family and her young daughter’s future needs, raising nearly $40,000 as of Friday. “No matter where my daughter is, she is with me,” her mother said. As the community grieves, friends and family are finding comfort in remembering Ray’s lifelong dedication to education — and her unwavering love for her students, her family, and her little girl.