A video posted to Facebook shows a moment in 2016 that she surprised a pair of students with a trip to Dave & Busters. A student screams and walks toward her, and she engulfs him in a hug.
“She taught my son the year prior and surprised him during the summer,” said Dorrian Griffeth, who posted the video. “She’d actually taught him for three years.”
"Karen was a tremendous teacher and her work had a huge impact on many families," said Frances Russ, communications officer for the district. "All of us will miss her."
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Thompson’s husband, Timmy Thompson, 51, and their 10-year-old daughter, Tessa, died in the crash.
Tessa was a fourth-grader at St. Susanna Parish School.
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"The fourth grader was a bright light who had a great effect on students and staff and it is a tragic loss for all who knew her. St. Susanna Parish School and Catholic community expresses heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the Thompson family and their friends affected by this tragedy,” the school said in a statement.
The at-fault driver is a 21-year-old female. Her identity has not been released.
Police said alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash.