HOLLAND, MI (WHTC) – As the Holland Christian Schools community mourns the death of a popular teacher and coach, authorities says the pole that impaled an SUV driven by Kevin Witte was in violation as it exceeded 40 feet.
The 37-year-old Holland man succumbed last night to injuries suffered on Monday morning when a 44-foot-long pole that was being carried by a electrical company truck swung through his SUV while making a turn from 120th Avenue to Garden Lane on Holland’s North Side.
Ottawa County Sheriff Sgt. Steve Austin says the pole exceeded 40 feet. A permit and escort were required for transporting the pole. The violation is a civil infraction and because a death was involved, it will be turned over to the prosecutor to review. The driver Thomas Heeringa, 61, who was driving the truck for Holland based-Parkway Electric was not injured in the crash.
Witte, who was in his fifth year with the district, was a social studies and Bible teacher at Holland Christian High and coached the freshman boys’ soccer team this fall. He leaves behind a wife and three children. Funeral arrangements are pending and a facebook page has been set up called Prayers for Kevin Witte.
Counselors and youth pastors were on hand today throughout the district as students, teachers and staff are coming to grips with the passing of Kevin Witte
The Ottawa County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the incident.
