Jason Koepke, principal of Forest Heights Elementary School, has died

COLUMBIA, SC — The Richland School District One community mourns the loss of Forest Heights Elementary School Principal Dr. Jason Koepke.

Richland County Coroner Naida Rutherford said Koepke, 41, died in a car crash on Hayward Brockington Road on Thursday.

Dr. Craig Witherspoon, superintendent of Richland First School District, issued the following statement on Friday:

“We were shocked and saddened to learn of the death of Forest Heights Elementary School Principal Jason Koepke yesterday (June 20, 2024). Mr. Koepke served as principal at Forest Heights for three years. Prior to assuming his duties at Forest Heights in July 2021, Mr. Koepke served as assistant principal at St. Andrews Middle School. The District Crisis Team has been activated to provide support and counseling to any students and staff needing assistance in dealing with the news of Mr. Koepke’s death. We extend our deepest condolences to Mr. Koepke’s family and ask that everyone please keep his family and the students and staff of Forest Heights in your thoughts and prayers.”

The funeral for Koepke will take place on Monday in Spartanburg.