HENRICO COUNTY, Va. -- The students of a beloved Henrico high school teacher have created a memorial that sits near the scene of a crash where he lost his life Friday afternoon.
Todd Allen Phillips, 55, was killed when his Toyota SUV collided with a Hyundai SUV at the intersection of Ridgefield Parkway and John Rolfe Parkway in the West End around 2:20 p.m.
The last day of school had been cancelled Friday due to powerful storms that knocked out electricity to much of the county.
"The traffic signal at the intersection was without power due to the previous night’s storm," Henrico Police spokesman Lt. Chris Eley said. "Neither vehicle appears to have come to a stop at the intersection prior to the crash."
Police had advised drivers to treat intersections with malfunctioning traffic lights as a four-way stop.
"The driver of the Hyundai received minor injuries and was transported to local medical facility for treatment," Eley said. "Alcohol does not appear to be a factor and this crash remains under investigation."
Phillips was an AP Statistics teacher, basketball and tennis coach, and head of the Center for Medical Sciences at Godwin High School in Henrico's West End, according to his students.
Adam Miller graduated from Godwin High on Thursday, but he didn't know that would be the last time he'd see his favorite teacher.
"The last thing he said to me was to keep in touch," Miller said, "As we were walking out the teachers had lined up after the recession. [Phillips] was the only one who I shook his hand and give him a hug."
Peyton Lynch read from a card pinned to a Bubba Gump Fishing Company t-shirt she placed at the memorial. She said Phillips had a spot on Forrest Gump impression.
"TPhilly, thank you for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself. You're a coach, mentor, and friend," Lynch said.
Kathy Wibberly shared the following tribute her daughter posted on Facebook to honor PMr. Phillips.
"My daughter Micaela wrote a touching tribute last night on her Facebook page," Kathy Wibberly wrote.
Henrico County Schools superintendent Dr. Patrick C. Kinlaw offered this statement:
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Todd Phillips. Todd was a vibrant and beloved leader who made an immensely positive impact on the lives of so many young people. He was a treasured member of our Henrico family and an extraordinary individual. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife Kelly, their family, and the entire Godwin community.
School had been cancelled Friday due to powerful storms that knocked out electricity to much of the county.
Phillips is survived by his wife and two children. Funeral arrangements have not been made.
Anyone with additional information about this crash or remembrances of Mr. Phillips can submit them here.
