CHEHALIS — W.F. West High School is dealing with the loss of one of their own today, after the death of music teacher Geoff Gilbert in an early-morning traffic accident.
Gilbert was traveling above the speed limit when his 1998 Honda motorcycle slammed into the back of a pickup truck on Interstate 5, according to the state patrol. The collision occurred in the southbound lanes near mile post 76 at about 1 a.m.
The motorcycle struck the right rear of the truck, causing Gilbert to lose control. He was ejected from the motorcycle and later pronounced dead at the scene, according to the state patrol.
Gilbert was wearing a helmet. It is unknown whether or not alcohol or drugs played a factor, according to the state patrol.
Chehalis School District Superintendent Dr. Greg Kirsch said the district was notified of Gilbert’s death around 5:30 a.m. Administrators and teachers spent the morning informing students, who in turn consoled each other and staff members alike.
“We’re in a state of absolute shock right now,” Kirsch said. “We still can’t even believe this happened to one of our own.”
Kirsch said staff are assisting students in the grieving process, in addition to maintaining a “sense of normalcy” as school will continue as scheduled. W.F. West has received offers from neighboring school districts to help in the educational process as well.
“Our first priority is providing for the emotional needs of our students,” Kirsch said. “That, and we need to try to carry on as normal as we possibly can. Normal is good for the kids, especially at a time like this.”
Kirsch also said arrangements have been made for other staff to substitute in classes in which Gilbert and his wife Angela, a W.F. West choir teacher, facilitated — though he acknowledged Geoff Gilbert’s loss extends far beyond the classroom. Gilbert leaves behind an eight-month-old daughter and two other children.
“He was a very positive influence on the students here,” Kirsch said. “We’ve lost a great teacher and a great friend, and we’re going to miss him around here.”
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Christopher Brewer can be reached at (360) 807-8235.
Chronicle reporter Eric Schwartz also contributed to this report.
