The 32-year-old was the sole casualty in the car accident that occurred on Valentine’s Day, 2025.
Highlights
- Jared Jackson, a 32-year-old assistant basketball coach and physical education teacher, tragically lost his life in a car accident on February 14, 2025.
- The accident occurred on Interstate 270 South near U.S. Route 33, involving a collision between Jackson’s Chevy Cruze and a Honda CRV.
- Jared Jackson was deeply loved by his family, students, and colleagues, and his passing has prompted an outpouring of support from the community.
Jared Jackson, a 32-year-old assistant basketball coach and physical education teacher at Winterset and Lincoln Park Elementary Schools in Columbus, Ohio, tragically lost his life in a car accident on Friday, February 14, 2025.
The fatal crash occurred around 1:45 a.m. on Interstate 270 South near U.S. Route 33.
According to the Hilliard Division of Police, Jackson was driving a 2015 Chevy Cruze when it collided with a 2015 Honda CRV.
The impact caused the CRV to hit a wall and overturn, while Jackson’s vehicle veered off the road and struck a tree.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
The driver of the CRV sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to Riverside Methodist Hospital for treatment. The exact cause of the accident remains under investigation.
Jared Is Survived By His Parents, Siblings, Cousins, And Friends
Jared Jackson is survived by his parents, Eric and Olivia, and siblings, Aaron and Erica, who are devastated by the sudden loss.
His cousin, Kris Jackson, expressed the family’s grief, stating,
He loved to be called coach. He could’ve had many more years being called coach, but God saw fit for 32 years here, and we are thankful for that.
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Jared’s brother, Aaron Jackson, said,
I didn’t grow up without having him in my life. Now we have to figure out how to do life without him. It’s going to be hard, but Jared wouldn’t want us to stop.
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The Columbus City Schools community has also been profoundly affected.
Jackson served as a physical education teacher at Winterset and Lincoln Park elementary schools, where he was known for his dedication to fostering a positive environment for his students.
Jared, Originally From Cleveland, Was A Proud Teacher And Coach
Beyond his teaching role, Jackson was an assistant basketball coach at Briggs High School, contributing his expertise and passion for the sport to the school’s athletic programs.
After graduating from Bowling Green State University in 2016, Jackson moved to Columbus from Cleveland about seven years ago.
His brother, Aaron, added in a statement,
I just hope that the students that he worked with understood how much he enjoyed being their teacher, being their coach.
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Colleagues and students remember him as a dedicated educator who went above and beyond to support his students’ growth and well-being.
The loss of Jared Jackson has prompted an outpouring of support from the community.
Vigils and memorials have been organized to honor his memory, and many have taken to social media to share their condolences and memories.
As the investigation into the accident continues, the community remains united in mourning the loss of a beloved teacher, coach, and friend.
Funeral arrangements are pending, and the family has requested privacy during this difficult time.
Additional Information
- Jared’s cousin, Kris Jackson, is a pastor at Mt. Nebo Baptist Church in Columbus, Ohio.
- In Ohio, approximately 2.6 fatal accidents occur each day. Nearly 300 people are injured daily in car accidents.
