Maria Nunney Obituary-Death News; Cleveland Teachers Maria and Donald Nunney Tragically Killed in Fiery North Carolina Crash

The accident occurred Friday around 1:18 p.m. near Chapel Hill, at the intersection of Interstate 85 north and Interstate 40 east. The Nunneys were on a family trip to drop off their eldest son at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill for his first year of college.

According to state troopers, the family van veered off the highway into a wooded area and struck a tree before bursting into flames. Maria, a passenger, died at the scene, while Donald, the driver, was airlifted to UNC Chapel Hill in critical condition. Sadly, he later succumbed to his injuries. Their two youngest children, ages 14 and 9, survived but remain hospitalized with serious injuries at Duke Hospital.

Witnesses reported seeing the van suddenly leave the road, and emergency crews rushed to the scene. The couple’s eldest son, traveling in a separate vehicle, witnessed the crash and immediately stopped to be with his family as first responders worked.

The loss has devastated the Cleveland school community. Shari Obrenski, President of the Cleveland Teachers Union, described the couple as “incredible teachers, loving and attentive parents, and deeply committed to their students and community.” CMSD announced that grief counselors will be available as classes resume Monday.

The deaths of Maria and Donald Nunney leave behind not only grieving children and family but also an entire school community that remembers them as educators who inspired, uplifted, and cared deeply for all around them.