First responders reflect on attempt to save teacher
Bert Dunsford and his shocked neighbours rushed to the scene of the devastating car crash that killed Arndell Anglican teacher, Karen Mitchell.
Rouse Hill
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- Schofields flooding causes road closures
- “Dedicated and caring” teacher, Karen Mitchell, killed in head on crash in Glenorie
Shocked onlookers who witnessed the devastating head-on crash that claimed the life of a Sydney teacher have revealed how neighbours worked together in an effort to save her.
Bert Dunsford rushed to the scene of the crash, which happened just outside his Glenorie home on Monday afternoon, after hearing the explosion as the cars collided.
The 72-year-old rushed to Arndell Anglican College science teacher Karen Mitchell’s car — desperately searching for signs of life as others scrambled to stop traffic.
“It was devastating,” Mr Dunsford told the Telegraph.
“I checked for a pulse for as long as I could but she was gone so we just stood by her until paramedics arrived.”
The Glenorie resident praised the efforts of his neighbour, a local fire brigade volunteer, who jumped into action just moments after the crash.
“Neighbours came rushing down to do anything they could, some were stopping traffic, others were checking on Karen but there wasn’t much we could do.”
Stories from the scene of the accident come as heartbroken students continue to express an outpouring of grief over the loss of their beloved science teacher, working “through the night” to pay tribute to her.
Students and parents reached out to the Rouse Hill Times to pay tribute to the teacher who helped them “develop a love for science” — calling for a crowd funding campaign to support the family.
Arndell Anglican Year 11 student, Brock, said Ms Mitchell was “not just a teacher, but a friend to students”.
“She has left the students inspired with her amazing personality and will be in our heart for many years to come,” he said.
“My thoughts and prayers go to the family and friends of this wonderful woman and hope that they can come to peace with themselves over this tragic incident.”
Another student, Lachlan, said he was “really going to miss” the science teacher.
Kylie Batiste’s daughter Abby is a Year 7 student at the school, and revealed the close bond her daughter had with the loved teacher.
“Abby did not know anyone at Arndell at the commencement of the year,” she said.
“At this time, Abby spoke of how Miss Mitchell included everyone in the class and encouraged the students to support each other.
“Abby loved Miss Mitchell and would often come home talking about her.”
Mrs Batiste said her daughter “expressed a keen interest in science thanks to Ms Mitchell’s love of teaching”.
“We found Miss Mitchell exceptional, approachable, full of praise and a very dedicated educator,” she said.
Mrs Batiste added she was happy to support a crowd funding campaign “to give our support in any way we can, just like Miss Mitchell did for our daughter”.
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