A beloved teacher who was branded as a “wonderful husband and father” has passed away after getting involved in a ‘freak’ accident.
Jonas Stoebe, 55, was a PE teacher and head of sports at Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School in Sydney, Australia, who was leading his Year 9 and Year 11 students on a snow tour on a Perisher mountain when he crashed and suffered severe injuries.
While the circumstances of the tragic crash remain unclear, it was reported that the man died in the hospital one week after the accident took place.
His family and friends have since spoken out and paid tribute to the “fun-loving” and “inspirational” father-of-two.
Among them was friend and colleague Kath Kissell who launched a GoFundMe page to help the teacher’s grieving wife, Belinda, and their children Lio, 12, and Luca, 9.
“Every donation, no matter the size, will help Jonas’ family and honor his memory. Let us come together as a compassionate community and show our support for Belinda and her family during this heart-breaking time,” she wrote.
“Together, we can wrap this family in love and give them a gift that will enable them to focus on healing their broken hearts and rebuild their lives.”
Jonas’ friend and neighbor, Scotty Boombah, added: “I am so incredibly thankful for the day, not long after you moved here from Melbourne, that Belinda reached out to me and asked if I could let you play on my basketball team.
“It was the start of a friendship I will cherish forever but boy, you didn’t need long to amass so many more friends and people to love you. And now you are on your way to heaven. I hope the Angels are aware of what they are in for, heavenly boot camp is about to commence.
“For those left behind, your incredible energy and spirit will always live on. Shine on, you crazy diamond. There will never be another like you.”
Paying a tribute to the beloved teacher was also the Glenaeon Rudolf Steiner School which in a statement shared: “Jonas was more than just an educator; he was a mentor, a friend, and an inspiration to all who knew him.
“With unwavering dedication, Jonas had been part of our school community for 10 years, leaving an indelible mark on countless students’ lives. Our school community is heartbroken by this loss. The impact Jonas had on our school and the lives of our students is immeasurable, and his memory will forever remain in our hearts.”
Our thoughts remain with Jonas’ loved ones during this challenging time.