TEMPE, Ariz. — Tempe High School honored the life and legacy of a beloved teacher who was tragically killed in a car crash at a varsity basketball game Thursday night.
The announcer read a commemorative speech about Nasser Chidiac, 50, followed by a moment of silence. The players wore a thin black stripe across their jerseys in honor of the math teacher.
“One of the most professional, humble, knowledgeable teachers you’d ever want to meet," Tempe High School Principal Brian Guliford told 12News.
From Algebra I with freshmen to College Algebra with seniors, Guliford said Chidiac taught all of his students with kindness. He was only with the school for three years, but the principal said Chidiac left a lasting impact on his students and colleagues.
“Very well-liked. All of our students cared very deeply for him. I was in one of the classes just yesterday and we were just reminiscing on his humor, his kindness. Kind of a gentle giant, Mr. Chidiac was, and we’ll definitely miss his spirit and his lively nature on our campus," Guliford said.
Chidiac's life was cut short last weekend after the driver of a car going the wrong way on the Loop 202 crashed head-on with Chidiac near Power Road.
Chidiac died instantly.
The wrong-way driver, identified by the Arizona Department of Public Safety as a 23-year-old man from San Tan Valley, is still in the hospital with serious injuries.
Investigators have not ruled out impairment as a possible cause.
“We were devastated. Any time a staff member doesn’t show up to work, just kind of no call, mysterious," Guliford said. "Just about an hour into the work day, we were all very worried ultimately to hear the tragic news.”
Teaching math by day and driving for Uber by night, Chidiac's family said he worked tirelessly to provide for his loved ones back home in Lebanon.
His family attended Thursday night's ceremony. They told 12News Chidiac was a kind and selfless man who dedicated his life to helping others.
His students, who were at the center of that dedication, are now returning the favor by supporting his family at the most difficult time.
“We’ll keep his spirit alive here at Tempe High from now and forever," Guliford said.
A GoFundMe page was created to help the family pay for funeral and memorial expenses. Click here to donate.
Tempe High School said it has an array of resources available for students and staff members grieving this loss.
The school will honor Chidiac again on Friday night at the varsity soccer game.
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