Vernon Newsom Killed in Motorcycle Accident

Former Mansfield schools superintendent Vernon Newsom died Wednesday in a motorcycle accident while vacationing in South Dakota, school officials said.

His wife, Nadyne, was in critical condition with "life threatening injuries" in a hospital at Platte, S.D., said Capt. Kevin Joffer of the South Dakota Highway Patrol.

Mr. Newsom, 61, retired last month after 13 years as superintendent. Nadyne Newsom, 62, retired as a teacher in 2004. The wreck happened during a cross-country adventure on a motorcycle to celebrate his retirement, friends said.

Trustee Sandra Vatthauer was in shock after learning of the death and said most people in the community were numb.

“He was just a truly good man, and you can’t say that any more about many people,” said Vatthauer, as her voice cracked. “He was a very dedicated individual.”

In May, school board voted to name Mansfield’s 3-year-old, 11,134-seat stadium at 3700 E. Broad St. after him.

The accident happened about 6 p.m. Wednesday on South Dakota Highway 50, four miles north of Geddes, Joffer said.

Accident investigators reported that the Newsoms were riding northbound on a 2006 Honda Gold Wing when he tried to pass a truck, Joffer said.

"At the same time, the truck started to turn," Joffer said. "In an attempt to avoid a collision, Mr. Newsom drove his motorcycle into a ditch. The motorcycle hit an approach and rolled."

The Newsoms were then thrown from the motorcycle, Joffer said. Both were taken to the hospital in Platte, where Mr. Newsom died from his injuries, Joffer said.

Mr. Newsom presided over tremendous growth in the school district, which coincided with the community's growing population.

Under his leadership, the district grew from one to four high schools, and it opened the Ben Barber Career Tech Academy, and 23 other school facilities, according to information from the school district.

He oversaw the creation of the Mansfield ISD Education Foundation, which has now raised more than $1 million for education projects, according to the school district.

During their cross-country tip last week, they stopped in Minneapolis where he attended an education workshop with current Mansfield superintendent Bob Morrison, friends said. They continued on this week to South Dakota.

Mr. Newsom joked about this motorcycle trip "because Nadyne is always so well made up, but she was real excited about this,” said Gale Moericke, school board president.

“It has just taken the breath away from this community,” Moericke said.

Trustee Terry Moore said for the tragedy to happen so close to his retirement was heartbreaking.

“All we can do is hope and pray for Nadyne, that she makes it through all this,” Moore said.

The schools officials had no information about services or memorials, but promised to share that information when it becomes available.

"The Mansfield ISD community is stunned and deeply saddened today by the tragic loss of former superintendent, Mr. Vernon Newsom," they said in an announcement on the school district's Web site. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Mr. Newsom's family during this difficult time."