David Achter

Acting principal Jim Raines confirmed in an assembly Thursday morning that Kelican did not survive his injuries.

Acting principal Jim Raines confirmed to students in an assembly Thursday morning that former principal Kraig Kelican passed away from his injuries sustained during a severe motor vehicle accident on I-66 two weeks ago. Raines stated that Kelican passed away peacefully at 5 a.m. on Thursday surrounded by family. Counselors and therapy dogs are stationed around the school to assist students and faculty in need of support. In an email, Superintendent Dr. Major Warner wrote, “Our hearts are heavy, and we ask that you keep the Kelican Family, and the entire Falcon Nation in your thoughts and prayers today, and moving forward. Kraig spent his entire career supporting the students of Fauquier County Public Schools, and this loss has affected all of us deeply…Today we are all Falcons.” Sgt. Brent Coffey of the Virginia State Police confirmed they are “waiting on some additional details before sending out an update.”

—–

PREVIOUS UPDATE (09/08): Sgt. Brent Coffey of the Virginia State Police confirmed the details of the crash involving principal Kraig Kelican to The Falconer in an emailed statement. Coffey said “At 6:40 a.m. Wednesday (Sept. 6), Virginia State Police responded to a four-vehicle crash on the eastbound Interstate 66 at the 23-mile marker in Fauquier County. Three vehicles were stopped due to heavy traffic when a fourth vehicle was unable to stop and rear-ended one of the stopped vehicles, which set off a chain reaction crash.” Coffey indicated that the vehicle that Kelican was in suffered the majority of the impact from the vehicle that was unable to stop. Coffey also indicated that drugs or alcohol were not suspected to be the cause of the incident, and wrote that two other individuals were transported to local hospitals for treatment of minor injuries.

This is a developing story, check back for more updates.