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Former school inspector, 81, died after being hit by a car pulling out of a McDonald’s parking lot

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A popular educator was killed in a horrific accident at a Texas McDonald’s when he was hit by a car backing out of a parking space, police say.

George Stepp, 81, was at McDonald’s in Lewisville, Texas, around 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, according to Fox 4.

A red Toyota truck was backing out of a parking space when it accelerated and struck Stepp, who was coming out of the fast-food restaurant, the report said. Stepp was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the report, police are investigating to determine whether the truck driver had a medical emergency that caused him to suddenly accelerate.

George Stepp (right) was killed in an accident in a McDonald's parking lot in Texas. He was a school superintendent in Fairfax, Virginia, from 1996 to 2007. He is pictured with one of his successors, Phyllis Pajardo, in front of the school office.
George Stepp (right) was killed in an accident in a McDonald’s parking lot in Texas. He was a school superintendent in Fairfax, Virginia, from 1996 to 2007. He is pictured with one of his successors, Phyllis Pajardo, in front of the school office. (Fairfax City Schools)

It is unclear whether charges have been filed in this case.

Stepp was a long-time educator and served as superintendent of the Fairfax School in Virginia, according to PavementHe led the district between 1996 and 2007 and worked in Fairfax for a total of 27 years.

He also worked as a teacher and administrator.

Police are investigating the McDonald's crash and are looking to see if the driver had a medical emergency that caused him to speed, and his step
Police are investigating the McDonald’s crash and are looking to see if the driver had a medical emergency that caused him to speed, and his step (Google Earth)

Stepp graduated from Morehead State University and then attended the doctoral program in education at Vanderbilt University.

“George Stepp was a great man with a big, big heart and a great school superintendent,” said former Fairfax School Board member Janie Miller, according to Pavement. “He cared deeply about our students, teachers and staff. He was committed to excellence and the best opportunities for ALL of our children. He is gone, but we will not forget him.”

Current Fairfax School Superintendent Jeff Platenberg specifically praised Stepp.

“His vision and dedication were instrumental in the renovation of all of our city schools and the successful consolidation of our elementary schools,” said Platenberg. “His legacy of commitment to educational excellence will continue to inspire us and benefit our community for generations to come.”

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