Severn School Community Mourns Loss of Latin Teacher

Updated (10:30 a.m.)—Thomas Heslin, the 57-year-old man who was struck and killed while riding his bike in Severna Park on Wednesday, was a Latin teacher at Severn School.

Severn School communications director Kristyn Kuhn said Thomas “Doc” Heslin had been a teacher at Severn School since 1986.

"It is with deep sorrow that we regretfully report the tragic passing of our dear colleague and friend, Thomas P. 'Doc' Heslin, PhD. Doc was killed yesterday afternoon while riding his bicycle," Severn School said in a statement. 

Police said Heslin was riding his bike on Berrywood Drive Wednesday, and was killed when his bike collided with a dump truck. 

After news of Heslin’s passing, social media lit up with former students expressing shock and offering condolences for their teacher.

“This is so sad. Doc Heslin was my high school Latin teacher,” said Camille Esmacher  on Severna Park’s Facebook page. “ Praying for his family.”

Erick Michelsen commented, “He'll be missed. He was an institution at Severn School for decades.”

Severn School Headmaster, Doug Lagarde said community support will help the school get though this difficult time.

“In many ways it is too soon to make any sense of this tragedy, and we may never, but it is in times of deep sadness that a community shows its true self,” Lagarde said in a release. “Severn's true self is one of strength and compassion, and I'm confident we will be able to support each other, and especially the Heslin's, through this difficult time.

Heslin has been with Severn School for 27 years. In addition to teaching Latin to Upper Schoolers, he was a venerated swimming and golf coach, and director of the Italian Exchange program. Heslin was inducted into Severn’s Athletic Hall of Fame this spring in honor of his contributions to Severn athletics.

“Doc Heslin was an extraordinary teacher, mentor, and leader,” Lagarde said. “His work positively impacted scores of Severn students with his always present smile, ready wit, and trademark optimism.’

Lagarde continued, “Severn’s mission asks the adults in our community to ‘know and value’ each student. Tom personified our mission. He cared deeply for, not only those he taught, but for every child at Severn and did his part in growing up hundreds of confident graduates.”

Heslin's two sons, Mike and Andy, are Severn School alums, graduating in 2004 and 2007 respectively. Doc is also survived by his wife of 32 years, Cindy.

See Also:

UPDATE: Bicyclist Killed in Collision with Dump Truck