News9.com - Oklahoma City, OK - News, Weather, Video and Sports | Bethany Middle School Teacher Fights for Life after Fall
John Griffis is in a medically induced coma after falling from his roof while doing work on it.
John Griffis has been employed with the Bethany School District for over 20 years.
His classroom is filled with notes and well wishes from his students.By Jennifer Pierce, NEWS 9
BETHANY, Oklahoma -- A small metro community is rallying around one of their own after a Bethany middle school teacher received a severe head injury when he fell off his roof this past weekend.
According to a blog created by the family, John Griffis is in a medically induced coma and doctors have done all they can at this point, but the family is hoping for the best and they're getting plenty of support from the Bethany School District.
It's been a somber three days at Bethany Middle School. Well wishes and "get well" signs cover Griffis' sixth-grade math classroom. His students are still trying to come to grips with the accident.
Griffis was critically injured while roofing his home, something he does as a second job during the summer. The long-time Bethany teacher has four children. Their friends rushed to the family's side shortly after the accident.
"Hannah, his daughter, told me about it so I didn't really know what to think, didn't know how serious it was, I was just like, 'I will pray for him' but I didn't understand until I got back and went to the hospital and I've been there multiple times since then," Callee Cox said.
Griffis has been a part of the school district since his days as a student. He even left a law practice to become a teacher at Bethany. He wears more hats than just teaching.
"He is our golf coach," said Bethany Public Schools Superintendent Kent Shellenberger. "He does numerous coaching responsibilities, girl's softball, he's done basketball,"
It's clear from the hand written notes, Griffis is missed. And colleagues knew they could always count on him.
"He's just always there," said Shellenberger. "John doesn't miss much. He has always been a steady force, a steady rock."
The Griffis family did not want to go on camera, but they asked that everyone keep them in their thoughts and prayers.
Comments Terms of Use: Terms of Use: We welcome your participation in our community. Please keep your comments civil and on point. You must be at least 13 years of age to post comments. In addition, by submitting a comment, you recognize that your comment may be read or discussed on one or more television news broadcasts on NEWS 9 and you consent to any such use. By submitting a comment, you agree to these
Terms of Service
You must be logged in to leave a comment. Login or register See all comments |
The sex offender accused of murdering a Spencer woman outside her Midwest City church is facing other accusations too. More>>
A search for a missing Oklahoma City boy has ended after the boy showed up at school, police said. More>>
Several large columns of concrete fell from the expanding parking garage at the Devon Tower construction site. More>>
The possibility of more winter storms could mean more snow days for Oklahoma schools. Now, teachers are worried if students will be prepared for the upcoming standardized tests. More>>
Frequently unemployment is merely reported as a statistic, but the Oklahoma Impact Team is taking a closer look at the people behind the numbers. More>>
Oklahoma ranks as the third worst state for women due to high rates of domestic violence, teen pregnancy and incarcerated women. The Oklahoma Women's Coalition is working to change that. More>>
The Junior League of Norm is sponsoring the Healthy Smiles exhibit at the Sam Noble Oklahoma Museum of Natural History on Sunday, February 7 from 1-5 p.m. as part of National Children's Dental Health month. More>>
High schools across the state could begin offering an elective course in the study of the Bible under a measure approved by a Senate committee. More>>
