Baton Rouge teacher killed after stopping to help at crash scene along Mississippi roadway

BATON ROUGE - A local high school teacher was killed while trying to help another driver involved in a crash Monday.

According to the Mississippi State Highway Patrol, the crash happened Monday afternoon on I-55 in Copiah County, Mississippi. Officials say 52-year-old Lesli Wood of Baton Rouge had stopped to check on the driver of a truck that had lost control and flipped off the interstate.

As she was returning to her car, an 18-wheeler reportedly rammed into her vehicle, striking her too. The truck struck several other cars as well, involving a total of six vehicles in the second crash.

Wood was pronounced dead at the scene. Two other people were hurt in the crash and taken to a hospital.

An East Baton Rouge School System spokesperson said Wood was a music teacher at Baton Rouge Magnet High School. She had reportedly worked there for more than two decades.

The school system released the following statement Tuesday afternoon.

"The East Baton Rouge Parish School System is devastated by the tragic accident that took the life of Lesli Wood, a Baton Rouge Magnet High School teacher. Ms. Wood was a beloved visual and performing arts teacher and her presence will be greatly missed. Her memory and light will continue to shine in all of her students and coworkers. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Wood family and friends during this difficult time. School guidance counselors, I CARE specialists, and other support staff will be on campus providing support over the next several days.”

There is no word on potential charges for the driver who initiated the crash at this time.