Oklahoma's Music Community Heartbroken After Crash Kills Cushing Middle School Band Director

A crash in Cushing claimed the life of the Cushing Middle School band director. Folks from all over Oklahoma and the U.S. said the legacy Dustin Jussila is leaving behind will never be forgotten. 

Cushing Public School District posted a message to social media after the fatality crash. 

“It’s difficult to fathom the loss of such a beloved member of our school community, but we must focus on surrounding his family with love and prayers during this time,” the post said.

The Oklahoma Highway Patrol said Jussila failed to stop at a stop sign at the intersection of Highway 33 and Chronister Road.

Cushing Fire Department had to use the jaws of life to get Jussila out of the vehicle. He was taken to a hospital in Tulsa where he died.

Tommy Goddard was a friend and former co-worker of Jussila. He said the news is heartbreaking for the music community.

“We created Oklahoma’s first independent percussion ensemble, which is Resistance Indoor Percussion, so that’s where I really got to know Dustin. We shared many experiences musically and with students and laughing just having a great time,” Goddard said.

Jussila taught music to children from several school districts.

“He was an outstanding band director who was funny, smart and kind and knew how to connect with his students," Blanchard Bands said on social media.

“He was so compassionate. He would have a student come up to him after a bad day, and after a short conversation, he would turn that sad look on their face into a big smile,” Goddard said.

Several school districts are offering counseling to students and staff as they come to terms with this tragedy.