The Aurora education community is reeling from heartbreak after Morgan Ray, a 37-year-old assistant middle school principal and lifelong educator, was tragically killed in a car crash on Interstate 25 late last month.
Her 4-year-old daughter, who was in the car with her, miraculously survived.
According to the Lone Tree Police Department, the single-vehicle rollover occurred on Oct. 28 along northbound I-25 as Ray was returning home from her mother’s house. Emergency responders pronounced Ray dead at the scene. Despite the violent crash—her vehicle reportedly flipped twice—her daughter was found unharmed.
“It’s very difficult to think about her watching her mom die in front of her,” Ray’s sister, Keni Nooner, said tearfully in an interview with CBS affiliate KCNC.
A Life Dedicated to Teaching
Family members say Ray’s passion for education began when she was just a kindergartener. Her mother, Jimmie Nooner, recalled a telling moment that seemed to foreshadow her daughter’s path.
“In kindergarten, her teacher said, ‘I hope you don’t mind — Morgan is grading papers. She knows how to do the key,’” Nooner said.
That early spark turned into a lifelong calling. Ray went on to earn degrees from George Washington University and Howard University before moving to Colorado to join KIPP Northeast Denver Middle School as an assistant principal.
Colleagues described her as a bold, compassionate educator—someone who pushed her students to dream big and never settle.
“She had a tough shell, but inside she was incredibly loving and caring,” her sister said. “She was a fierce power to be reckoned with, and she loved what she loved very hard.”
Remembered by Her School Community
In a statement to People, KIPP Colorado Public Schools praised Ray’s deep commitment to equity and excellence in education.
“Morgan was a deeply committed educator who believed in the brilliance of every child, especially our students who have historically been overlooked or underestimated,” the statement read. “Her impact was profound and will be felt in our classrooms and hearts for years to come.”
Those who worked alongside her say Ray was more than an administrator—she was a mentor and advocate who believed in tough love and transformative education. “She didn’t just talk about believing in kids,” one colleague said. “She showed up for them, every single day.”
Community Rallies for Her Daughter
In the wake of her death, friends, colleagues, and parents across Colorado have come together to support Ray’s family. A GoFundMe campaign created for her daughter’s future needs has raised over $42,000 as of Tuesday, Nov. 11, 2025.
Her mother, Jimmie, said the outpouring of love has been overwhelming.
“No matter where my daughter is, she is with me,” she said, holding back tears.
A Loss Felt Beyond the Classroom
The death of Morgan Ray is more than the loss of a devoted educator — it’s a stark reminder of how fragile life can be, and how far-reaching a teacher’s influence truly is. Ray’s story has touched people beyond Colorado, resonating with parents, teachers, and communities who see in her the very best of public education: grit, purpose, and love.
Her daughter’s survival, while miraculous, adds both sorrow and hope to the tragedy — a small light that the family and community are now rallying around.
To support the family of Morgan Ray, donations can be made through the verified GoFundMe campaign.
