The Lower Merion High School community is mourning the loss of their long-time principal, who died in a car crash Saturday morning.
Lower Merion High School officials said in a statement that Sean Hughes, who had been principal for over 14 years, was driving his son to a soccer game in New Jersey when the incident occurred. The son and the driver of the other car involved in the Winslow Township crash survived the wreck.
District superintendent Khalid Mumin said in a statement that Hughes "was beloved by thousands of students," and knew most of them by name.
"They (students) greeted him in the halls by calling out his signature nickname, "Huuuuuuughes," Mumin added.
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One parent, who visited Lower Merion High Sunday morning to leave flowers, said she had three students in Lower Merion schools, and two of them had been students under Hughes.
"He was one of the best educators, parents," she said, growing emotional. "He was such a constant, positive force for our kids. We are just devastated."
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As a result of Hughes passing, all 10 Lower Merion schools were closed Monday as they mourn.