Teacher and former state lawmaker Dewayne Bunch has died more than a year after being injured.

Whitley County Sheriff Colan Harrell says Bunch died around 1:30 Tuesday afternoon. Harrell says that Bunch's kidneys started failing over the past couple of weeks and shut down on Sunday. Bunch died at Baptist Regional at Corbin, where he's been since May.

In April of 2011, Bunch suffered a head injury while trying to break up a fight between students at Whitley County High School, where he was a teacher. The Whitley County commonwealth's attorney has been unavailable to provide any details on what will now happen to the kids, who were charged in the case.

Bunch's wife, Regina, later won a special election to finish his term.

The House Republican Leadership released the following statement this afternoon:

“Dewayne truly represented someone who is committed to serving the public, whether it be as a school teacher, a member of the armed services, his church, and his neighbors. It was that caring commitment and dedication to the people of Whitley County that prompted him to run and win election as State Representative.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Regina, her family and all those who knew and loved Dewayne as they deal with his passing. The family has requested privacy during these difficult times, and when the memorial arrangements have been completed they will be made available to the public and press.”

U.S. Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell also released a statement:

“I am saddened by the loss of former Representative Dewayne Bunch. As a teacher and state representative, Dewayne served the people of the Commonwealth, especially those in Whitley and Laurel counties, with distinction. He also proudly served our country in Iraq as a member of the Kentucky National Guard. Elaine and I send our condolences to his wife, Regina, his family, and all those at Whitley County High School that knew and loved him.”