The family of Ashley Apel, a beloved Moberly teacher who passed away in an accident on Highway 63, is organizing a Celebration of Life to honor her memory. The event is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Monday at the Moberly High School Performing Arts Center, where the community is invited to gather in remembrance of her impactful life and contributions.
Ashley Apel, 39, was a dedicated middle school teacher in the Moberly School District. Her untimely death occurred last Thursday when she was involved in a fatal crash on Highway 63 near Breedlove Drive.
According to the Missouri State Highway Patrol, her vehicle had stopped in traffic due to an earlier collision when it was struck from behind by a Jeep. Tragically, Apel succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. She was among three individuals who lost their lives in two separate crashes on the same highway that day.
The crash that claimed Apel’s life unfolded as her vehicle was halted in a line of traffic, waiting for authorities to clear the aftermath of a previous accident. In the earlier incident, a 55-year-old man’s vehicle crossed the center line and collided head-on with a vehicle driven by a 32-year-old man. Both drivers were killed. The Missouri State Highway Patrol, adhering to a policy change, has not disclosed their identities.
Apel’s vehicle was carrying three other teachers from the Moberly School District, all of whom sustained injuries in the crash. The district’s superintendent, Brian Wright, addressed families in a letter, emphasizing that counseling services have been made available for grieving students and staff. Community organizations and local churches have also stepped forward to provide additional support during this challenging time.
Ashley Apel was known for her unwavering dedication to her students and her vibrant presence within the school community. Her loss has left a profound void, not only in the lives of her loved ones but also in the hearts of her colleagues, students, and the wider Moberly community. The Celebration of Life serves as an opportunity for friends, family, and community members to come together, share memories, and honor a life devoted to education and service.
As the Moberly community navigates this tragic loss, the gathering on Monday will be a poignant reminder of the impact one teacher can have in shaping lives and fostering a legacy of kindness, learning, and compassion. GoFundMe
