Dewayne Bunch is well-known in Whitley County for many reasons, from his time in the classroom, as a member of the National Guard, and as a recently-elected state representative.

He isn't just a teacher.

"Always tried to return calls to us and take up the issues that we were facing," said Pat White, Jr, Whitley County Judge-Executive.

Bunch split his time between the classroom and Frankfort. He is in his first year as a state representative.

"Mr. Bunch was very well liked throughout our schools and our community," said Scott Paul, Whitley County Schools Superintendent.

Tuesday's incident comes out of nowhere, a rough circumstance for all involved.

"Today has been really tough. We were just concerned about Mr. Bunch and his family," said Paul.

"Sad, depressing, everybody was crying," said Tyler Bowlin, a freshman at Whitley County High School.

Bunch was honored one week ago by the University of the Cumberlands for excellence in leadership.

He also served two tours of duty overseas in the National Guard, one in Germany, the other in Iraq.

Community leaders said Bunch is a hard worker, and they respect that.

"He seemed very energetic to try and help the county and try to improve the standard of living in this region," said White.

All Whitley County Schools observed a moment of silence for Bunch this morning at 10.

Students told us they also spent the day making Get-Well cards for their teacher.