Cumberland County teacher killed in crash

HOPE MILLS, NC (WTVD) -- A Cumberland County school teacher has been killed in a crash.

The North Carolina Highway Patrol said 43-year-old Michael Burks was riding his motorcycle when a car turned in front of him at the intersection of Cumberland Road and Ireland Drive Thursday. He was thrown from his bike and later died.

Burks taught at Hope Mills Middle School for 14 years. Principal Yolanda Epps told ABC11 he was always there for his kids.

"He was funny. He shared with the kids. I heard a student say he was a role model for some of us that don't have dads. He stepped in where some of those that need to be lifted up got lifted up. He was always there to listen. He was always there to lend a helping hand. He was there when kids needed him," she explained.

Grief counselors were available at the school for students Friday.

The Highway Patrol is still investigating the cause of the crash.