Tuesday, March 27, 2001

By Richelle Turner Collins, Würzburg bureau

WÜRZBURG, Germany — A Würzburg American Elementary School teacher was killed and her son injured Friday in a two-car accident on Bundesstrasse 19 near Heuchelhof, Germany.

First grade teacher Teresa A. Danganan was driving toward Giebelstadt about 4 p.m., while the other vehicle, driven by an unidentified 19-year-old German man, was heading toward Würzburg. As the man drove around a curve, his vehicle crossed into the other lane and hit Danganan’s head on, according to a release from Würzburg police commissioner I. A. Fuchs.

Danganan, 49, died at the scene. Her 10-year-old son Sean, was transported to the Würzburg American Hospital, according to the Würzburg police.

The 19-year-old man suffered serious injuries and was transported to the Würzburg hospital.

The Würzburg Fire Department, two doctors and a rescue helicopter were called to the accident scene. The accident closed the highway until 6:30 p.m.

Educators and students are now coping with the loss of Danganan, who was active in her community and devoted hours to Boy Scouts and the chapel.

"It’s very, very difficult for everybody," said Dave Trukositz, Würzburg American Elementary School principal. "She was with us for 12 years at this school."

School officials assembled a crisis intervention team on Friday. The team called parents and told them about Danganan’s death. Parents were invited to bring their children to school Monday to talk with school counselors, a nurse and school administrators.

A grief counseling team from the Würzburg American Hospital was also made available to help parents talk to their children about death, Trukositz said.

"She was just an outstanding educator — dedicated to providing students a good solid beginning," Trukositz said.

Danganan is survived by her husband, Raymond; her sons Sean and Brandon; and her parents Mr. and Mrs. James Titus of Salisbury, Md.

Danganan joined the Department of Defense Dependants Schools in Misawa, Japan, in 1987 and came to the Würzburg community in 1989. She worked as a teacher in Delaware and Maryland before joining DODDS, according to a release from the Würzburg School District.

A memorial service will be held at 3:30 p.m. Friday at the Leighton Chapel in Würzburg. A memorial fund has been established in her honor. Anyone who wants to contribute may do so at Community Bank, BLZ (routing number), 051005504, konto (account number) 3690977647, "In the memory of Teresa Danganan."

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