Bledsoe county residents are in shock tonight, after the loss of their middle school principal in a freak accident Thursday.
Deborah Thompson was killed when a car crashed into a Knoxville restaurant.
School leaders at first delayed the start of classes this morning, and later cancelled school for the entire day.
They said it was because of possible ice and snow, but it wouldn't have been the same at Bledsoe county middle school----Miss Debbie was not there.
Investigators say the Chrysler 300 Driven by 53 year old Dewayne Edward Kelly was moving at a high rate of speed when it crashed into the Tomato Head Restaurant in Knoxville Thursday afternoon.
Deborah Thompson was standing with her husband at the checkout counter. She was critically hurt and died a shot time later at a hospital.
Word spread quickly in Bledsoe county where she was principal of the middle school.
JENNIFER TERRY, BLEDSOE SCHOOL SUPERINTENDENT "We were very fortunate for the communities we live in that they rallied around the school system. We just want Miss Thompson's family to know that they are in our thoughts and prayers."
Students were told to stay home because of uncertain weather, but Ms. Terry and assistant principal Steve Perry spent the morning at the school talking with Miss Debbie's friends and fellow educators.
STEVE PERRY, ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL "She was the most wonderful loving person you'd ever know. Loved the kids, loved the staff, loved the community."
County Mayor Bobby Collier said the tight knit community won't be the same without Debbie Thompson.
MAYOR BOBBY COLLIER, BLEDSOE COUNTY "She was a special needs teacher...and of course she was aware of the special needs of people. I guess all of us in some ways have special needs and she knew how to do deal with people. She was very much loved by her colleagues that worked with her."
In Knoxville, investigators say Kelly, who had minor injuries, was not charged.
He suffers from Multiple sclerosis.
Debbie Thompson's friends and co-workers have turned their attention to her family.
