FRANKFORT, Ky. - Former state Rep. Dewayne Bunch has died more than a year after suffering a head injury while trying to break up a fight among students at Whitley County High School where he was a math teacher. He was 50.
House Republican spokesman Mike Goins confirmed Bunch's death in a statement Wednesday afternoon. WLEX-TV in Lexington first reported his death.
"In his time with us in Frankfort, he shared many of our goals for a better Kentucky, especially in improving education," Gov. Steve Beshear said in a statement. "He was a dedicated teacher and legislator, and he will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, particularly his wife Regina, who is serving admirably in her husband's position as state legislator."
Bunch was injured when he intervened in the fight in April 2011. He was struck by a stray punch and hit his head on the floor of the school cafeteria.
He resigned from the legislature last year, and voters in the 82nd District chose his wife, Regina Bunch, as his replacement.
The teenagers involved in the fight, initially charged with assault, could potentially face stiffer charges in the case.
News of his death brought sad reactions from across Kentucky and beyond.
U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell offered condolences from Washington.
"As a teacher and state representative, DeWayne served the people of the commonwealth, especially those in Whitley and Laurel counties, with distinction," McConnell said. "He also proudly served our country in Iraq as a member of the Kentucky National Guard."
Goins said the Bunch family has requested privacy. He said funeral arrangements would be made public once they've been made.
"Dewayne truly represented someone who is committed to serving the public, whether it be as a school teacher, a member of the armed services, his church, and his neighbors," Goins wrote in a statement distributed on behalf House Republican leaders. "It was that caring commitment and dedication to the people of Whitley County that prompted him to run and win election as state representative."
House Speaker Greg Stumbo also offered condolences to the Bunch family.
"DeWayne showed tremendous potential as a legislator, and his wife Regina has done an outstanding job in serving the remainder of his term," Stumbo said in a statement.
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