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Trophy Club educator dies in motorcycle accident

Posted on Oct 12, 2011

BEDFORD -- A 27-year-old teacher in the Northwest school district died early Monday when his motorcycle collided with an 18-wheeler on Texas 183.

District spokeswoman Lesley Weaver said Sam Torres was killed as he drove to work at Beck Elementary in Trophy Club, where he taught fifth-grade science and math.

Bedford police were called to the 2500 block of eastbound Airport Freeway about 6:15 a.m., said Lt. Kirk Roberts, a police spokesman.

Roberts said the accident is under investigation.

Weaver said Torres' young age and personality made him popular with students.

"He was very well-liked," Weaver said. "He was a young guy, so the kids related to him."

Torres, who joined the district in August 2008, leaves behind a wife, Nashelly, whom he married in January.

Torres came to the United States from Mexico and put himself through college. Possibly because of his hardships, Weaver said, Torres "was extremely passionate about his job."

"This is how he wanted to dedicate his life," Weaver said.

Northwest officials called parents to tell them what happened, but did not tell the students during classes.

The district wanted parents to have individual conversations with the students.

Weaver said counselors will be available when students return to class today.

"We will go class to class, especially to the fifth-graders he taught math and science," Weaver said.

Principal Deborah McCune said the staff was devastated by the loss of a man "who was the epitome of what an educator should be every day in relationship to the students, the staff and the parents."

"Every child in his class was enriched by his integrity and his character," the principal said. "He had the true heart of a teacher. He saw his job as a blessing and a way to make a difference. He lived what he believed."

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