High School Teacher Dies After Battle With COVID-19

WOODBRIDGE, VA — A teacher at Gar-Field High School has died due to complications from COVID-19, according to a letter the school sent to families on Tuesday evening. The teacher, Richard Zuckernick, was a math teacher who taught virtually this school year.

"Words cannot express the grief the Gar-Field community will feel from this loss," Principal Matthew Mathison said in the letter. "Although Mr. Zuckernick had been working virtually all school year, he formed strong bonds with his students due to his dedication and caring personality."

The letter also said Zuckernick had been struggling with COVID-19 "for the past few months."

The Woodbridge school is providing students with resources and support from the school's counselors and critical incident team.

See also: Staffer's COVID Death Mourned At Woodbridge Middle School: Report

"This is a difficult time for our school community" Principal Mathison said. "But Gar-Field students and staff will support each other as we deal with this loss."

The school has posted a memoriam page for Zuckernick that includes kind wordsfrom his students and colleagues. They remark on his easygoing nature, his love for baseball, and his support for his students. "You were our gentle giant," wrote the school's IB coordinator Brian Bassett.

Counselors will visit each of Zuckernick's classes this week to offer support for his students. If students need support outside of the classroom, they can call the school's counseling office at 703-730-7000. They can also email studentsupportservices@pwcs.edu to receive virtual support.