Students and staff mourn Cape Breton teacher killed in ATV accident
49-year-old Robbie Chiasson died early Sunday, leaving a grieving New Waterford community
Grief counsellors were at several schools in Cape Breton Monday, following the weekend death of a popular gym teacher and respected coach.
Robbie Chiasson, 49, died in New Waterford, N.S., early Sunday in an ATV accident. He is survived by his wife and three young children.
His death is affecting students and staff at schools where he worked and was well known.
"The students arrived today to find out they've lost someone who's been very important in their school life," said Cathy Viva, the director of programs and services for the Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Centre for Education.
Viva said Chiasson was known well beyond the classroom as someone who was heavily involved in coaching and community events.
"He was very interested in providing excellent programming for the students," said Viva.
Viva said grief counsellors were available for staff on Sunday.
Chiasson's death is felt widely throughout the community, as he had coached the Cape Breton University men's soccer team from 2003 to 2014.
The ATV accident happened at 4 a.m. Sunday on James Street in New Waterford.
Police said the man was pronounced dead at the scene. They have not said how the ATV accident happened, but their investigation continues.
