Dee Sheffer of Daleville, a former English teacher at Lord Botetourt High School, retired last summer after 30 years of teaching. She remembered Patrick Kay, who died in the car crash on U.S. 11 north of Troutville early today. With tears in her eyes, Sheffer recalled that he and his family had moved here from Denver. “He was a sweet boy, a good kid. I enjoyed having him in class.” She believes he graduated from LBHS in 2007, (no one was at the school today due to winter break). “It is very tragic for the family,” she said, shaking her head. “I can see him sitting in class in my memory.”

Sheffer was also the sponsor for YOVASO, a group concerned with teen driver’s safety.