Beloved TN Teacher Michelle Rankin ID’d As Victim In Fatal Brighton July 4 Freak Accident

TIPTON COUNTY, TN. (THECOUNT) — Michelle Rankin has been identified as the Brighton High School teacher killed in a freak July 4 ATV accident.

Rankin, who taught agriculture courses at the school for 12 years, died near her home in Lauderdale County in an ATV accident, school officials confirmed.

“She was going down her road after checking some cows, and a deer jumped out from the tree line right near where she was and literally knocked her right off the 4-wheeler,” Marion said, “She fell and hit her head on the road,” said Cliff Marion, Associate Pastor at First Baptist Church Covington.

“Brighton High School is mourning the loss of an outstanding teacher but more importantly a great friend, mentor, and Christian woman,” wrote Christi Huffman, Brighton High School Principal.

“Michelle was a loving mother and an amazing teacher,” said Dr. John Combs, Superintendent of Tipton County Schools in a written statement. “Although her time at Brighton High School was only 12 years, the impact she made on the students and staff there will be legendary. We are so saddened by her loss, and our prayers continue to be with the whole family during this heart-breaking time.” source

Rankin was pronounced dead at the scene of cranial blunt force trauma.

She leaves behind a husband and two children.