The Galesburg community is grieving the heartbreaking loss of Jordan Ball, a beloved 7th-grade teacher and coach at Galesburg Junior Senior High School, who was killed in a car crash Monday afternoon. The collision happened on U.S. Route 34 between Oneida and Wataga, a stretch of highway that experienced slick and hazardous road conditions at the time of the crash. Ball’s death has sent shockwaves throughout the school district, where he was admired for his kindness, dedication, and passion for working with young people.
In a statement shared Tuesday morning, the school expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the 26-year-old educator. “It is with profound sadness that we share the news of the passing of our dedicated 7th-grade teacher and coach, Jordan Ball. He was a caring educator who touched the lives of countless students at Galesburg Junior Senior High School,” the message read. The district extended its condolences to Ball’s family and noted the tremendous impact he had on students both inside the classroom and on the field.
Support services were made available through ROE #33’s School Crisis Response Team, which spent the day stationed in the school library to comfort grieving students, parents, and staff. Many students described Ball as a patient, encouraging mentor who made learning enjoyable and always pushed his students to believe in themselves. His sudden passing has left a void that is deeply felt throughout the school community.
Ball, a graduate of Monmouth College, previously taught and coached in the Monmouth-Roseville School District before continuing his teaching journey in Galesburg. Colleagues recall him as a hardworking and compassionate educator who built strong connections with his students. A GoFundMe has been launched to support his family during this devastating time, and community members have already begun donating in his honor.
According to Illinois State Police, the crash occurred when Ball’s vehicle and a semi-truck collided near Knox Road 900 East. The roads were reportedly slick due to winter conditions, which may have contributed to the crash. Ball was pronounced dead at the scene. The highway was closed for several hours as investigators worked to examine the circumstances of the accident but reopened later Monday night.
As winter weather continues to create dangerous travel conditions, authorities are urging drivers to use extreme caution on area highways. Meanwhile, the Galesburg community is leaning on one another as they remember Jordan Ball—a gifted teacher, a committed coach, and a young man who made a powerful impact in a short amount of time. His legacy will continue to live on through the students he taught, the lives he touched, and the love he shared with those around him.
