By Michael A. Lough

The Sports Report

centralgasports@gmail.com

          Dublin principal Jaroy Stuckey, a former athlete at the school, his wife, and son died Sunday in an auto accident.

          They apparently were in a car on I-16 in Bulloch County near mile-marker 137 when they were rear-ended by a tractor-trailer pulling a tanker, and smashed into another tractor-trailer in front of them, the car getting crushed between the two large vehicles. Their car, and one that was sidewiped caught fire.

          The Bulloch County coroner didn’t officially identify the Stuckeys until late Sunday night. Jake Futch also confirmed that Elysea Stuckey was pregnant with their second child, due in May. A.J. was three.

          The school released a statement a little after 8:30 p.m.

          “It is with deep regret that we inform you about a recent loss to our school community. Dublin High School Principal, Dr. Jaroy Stuckey, wife Elisia, and son A.J. died unexpectedly today. We are working closely with the authorities, and will keep you informed as additional details develop. This loss is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for our entire school, especially our students.

          “To say we are heartbroken is a true understatement.

          “Monday will serve as a day of mourning for our entire district, but Dublin City Schools has a Crisis Intervention Team made up of professionals trained to help with the needs of students, parents, and school personnel at difficult times such as this. At every school, we will have counselors available for any student or staff who may need or want help or any type of assistance surrounding this loss. We will also have a Google Meets link that will be sent out via Remind for all virtual students who do not feel comfortable coming to campus. We encourage you, as parents, and stakeholders to also feel free to use our resources.

          “We will have a memorial station in place at the entrance to Dublin High School ready to receive offerings at 7 a.m.

          “We are asking that parents please take time to talk with their student and allow them to share their thoughts and feelings associated with the loss. We have enclosed some information that may be useful to you in helping your child at home. If you would like additional information or need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact Jason Halcombe at pr@dcsirish.com.

          “We are saddened by the loss to our school community and will make every effort to help those in need.

          “We appreciate everyone respecting the privacy of his family, and our family, as we deal with this unbelievable information.

          “Please continue to pray for Dr. Stuckey, his family, and our DCS family.

          Stuckey was part of the Dublin boys basketball team’s state championship in 2006, averaging 12 points and three assists a game,.and graduated from Dublin that year. He was a teammate of current Dublin head boys basketball coach Ben Smith.

          He signed to play basketball at Coastal Georgia Community College in Brunswick, but an ankle injury ended his playing career.

          Stuckey graduated from Georgia Southern, and earned his M.Ed and Ed.S at Georgia College, and his Ph.D from Nova Southeastern in 2018. He had been an assistant boys and head girls basketball coach at Dublin before moving into administration, including as assistant principal at Dublin Middle School.

          He was named principal at Dublin in the spring of 2019.

          He and his wife Elisia celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary in August.