SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, Aug. 27, 2021 (Gephardt Daily) — The Midvale community is mourning the loss of beloved 7th grade social studies teacher, Jonah Glenn, who police say was fatally injured Wednesday night when his motorcycle was hit by an alleged DUI driver.
Wilhelm Robert Heider, 26, is facing a charge of automobile homicide involving DUI of alcohol or drugs, a second-degree felony. Investigators say Heider’s blood-alcohol content was approximately 2.5 times the legal limit.
A letter sent to parents by Midvale Middle School Principal Mindy Robison reads, in part: “I am writing with great sadness to inform you that one of our 7th grade social studies teachers, Mr. Jonah Glenn, has died from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. As so many of his students will tell you, Mr. Glenn was a wonderful teacher. I also knew him to be a trusted colleague and great friend. The Midvale Middle community will miss him so much.
“The news of the death of a school staff member can be difficult for teenagers and adolescents to process, and our school has a plan in place to provide students with the appropriate supports.
“The Midvale Middle counseling staff, as well as counselors from the Canyons District Student Responsive Services Department, will be available to meet with students who may be experiencing difficult emotions. Please contact the school office if you feel your child is in need of additional assistance from school and community mental health resources.”
The letter also provides advice for parents and others who may find themselves in a position of guiding a child through a grieving process.
The Hog Wallow Pub, where Glenn also worked, posted a tribute to him on Facebook. “A mischievous smile and a heart of gold, that is how we will remember our friend and co-worker, Jonah Glenn,” the post says. “Jonah passed away Wednesday night in a tragic motorcycle accident. Our sincerest condolences go out to his family, friends, and students. He was a truly special person who you could not help but love. He will be missed.”
A GoFundMe account has been set up to assist with funeral expenses for Glenn. That page says: “Everyone who met Jonah absolutely loved him and was drawn in by his energy. He loved getting on his motorcycle and exploring the country. Everyone mattered to him and he loved making everyone feel like they mattered.”
Police say the crash occurred near 924 S. 300 West when Glenn’s motorcycle was hit by Heider’s vehicle as it entered the roadway from an adjacent parking lot.
“Upon questioning, Mr. Heider admitted to having at least four servings/drinks of alcohol,” the statement said. “Following field sobriety testing, Mr. Heider agreed to take a blood alcohol breath test, in which his blood alcohol content was shown to be 0.129.”
My daughter goes to the school where Mr. Glenn taught, and is desperately sad over his loss. Sadly, these youngsters now understand the selfish, abhorrent behavior that results from drunk driving. It leaves a scar on the living, while the drunk often barely recalls what they did.
hopes and prayers go out to the glenn family he was a good teacher a good person and a good friend. We will all miss him and hope to see him again on the other side. Rest in love Mr.glenn