Staples High School teacher dies in I-95 crash

Police say Michael Sansur, 52, of Darien, was stopped in the left lane for an unknown reason when a car traveling behind him struck his vehicle. Both vehicles sustained significant damage.

Sansur was taken to Lawrence + Memorial Hospital where he died. A passenger, identified as Sansur’s son, was transported to Yale New Haven Hospital in critical condition.

The other driver was taken to the Westbrook Shoreline Clinic for possible minor injuries.

“Mike was a personal favorite of countless students and staff,” said Scarice in a letter to school staff and Westport families. “His career has been marked by inspirational stories of Mike positively impacting the lives of students at Staples and creating an unparalleled sense of belonging in his classroom.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Old Lyme Resident State Trooper Matthew Weber at 860-399-2100.

FULL STATEMENT

Dear Westport Families and Staff,

I am so sorry to be writing to you today to share some tragic news. Yesterday, we lost Michael Sansur, beloved Technology Education teacher at Staples High School, to a car accident on I-95. His son was also critically injured in the accident. We are devastated by this news and our hearts are with the Sansur family during this difficult time.

Stafford Thomas, principal of Staples High School, will be working with the building’s crisis team, as well as the central office crisis team, to develop plans for supporting students, staff and families, in coping with this tragedy. We will share those plans with the community later today.

Mike was a personal favorite of countless students and staff. His career has been marked by inspirational stories of Mike positively impacting the lives of students at Staples and creating an unparalleled sense of belonging in his classroom.

Further details and support plans will be shared later today.

Respectfully,

Thomas Scarice
Superintendent

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