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Man Who Died in I-96 Crash was Portland High School Teacher

Posted at 11:00 AM, Feb 18, 2013
and last updated 2013-02-18 11:00:58-05

IONIA COUNTY, Mich.– Portland Public Schools confirmed the man who died in a two vehicle crash over the weekend was a teacher at the Portland High School.

Brad Foltz, 57, died when his Ford F150 left the road, hit a guard rail and came to rest on its roof. It happened on Interstate 96 near Kent Street just after midnight Saturday.

The Ionia County Sheriff’s Office said Foltz died at the scene. Two other people were hurt when their Ford Escape hit Foltz’s truck. The 55 year-old driver, a man from Grand Rapids, and his passenger, a 56 year-old woman were hospitalized at Sparrow Hospital.

According to Charles Dumas, Superintendent of Portland Public Schools, Foltz was living his dream as a Communication and Technology teacher.

Dumas said Foltz came to the district about 10 years ago, mid-career, wanting to be a teacher. Foltz’s worked as a school librarian until he got his teaching degree around three years ago.

Dumas said Foltz was a big supporter of athletics, videotaping football games and the team’s highlight reels.

The Superintendent also talked about Foltz’s musical talent, playing the harmonica with a small group around Grand Rapids.

Counselors met with teachers and other school staff over the weekend, and will be on hand for students throughout the week.

According to Dumas, a scholarship has been created in Foltz’s name for Portland Schools.

For more on funeral arrangement for Brad Foltz, click here.