Former Parry McCluer Middle School principal dies in accident on Route 250

AUGUSTA COUNTY (WSLS 10) - The former principal of Parry McCluer Middle School, Michael Gibson, died in a crash on Route 250 Tuesday. Gibson was 71.

Virginia State Police said the accident happened around 12:10 p.m. near Idlewood Blvd. Two others were injured in the crash.

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Buena Vista Public Schools Superintendent John Keeler said in a statement to WSLS 10, "We were saddened to hear of the passing of Mike Gibson, former principal of Parry McCluer Middle School and avid supporter of the Fighting Blues. At a later date, Buena Vista Public Schools will plan a way to honor his life and service to our school system."

Gibson, who is from Buena Vista, was driving a 1998 Jeep Cherokee east on Route 250 when it crossed the center turn lane into the westbound lanes. Gibson's Jeep sideswiped a westbound 2000 Honda CRV, then hit a westbound box truck head-on.

Gibson was taken to Augusta Health where he later died. He was not wearing a seat belt.

The driver of the Honda, 68-year-old Linda Collins, of Staunton, was taken to Augusta Health for treatment of serious, but non-life threatening injuries. She was wearing a seat belt.

The driver of the box truck, 59-year-old Alan Balsley, of Staunton, had minor injuries and was not taken to the hospital. He was wearing a seat belt.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.