A 26-year-old man has been charged in connection with a hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of a high school teacher in Western Australia. The body of Luke Russell, 49, a humanities and social sciences teacher at Katanning Senior High School, was discovered by a member of the public on Marri Drive in Katanning, approximately 277 kilometres south-east of Perth, at 5:35 am on May 13.
Charges Filed
WA Police confirmed on Wednesday that the man faces one count of failing to stop and ensure assistance is received after an incident occasioning death. He is also charged with one count of failing to report an incident occasioning death or grievous bodily harm, and one count of no authority to drive – suspended. The accused is scheduled to appear before Perth Magistrates Court on Wednesday.
Community Mourns
Mr Russell joined Katanning Senior High School in 2020 and served as a group coordinator for Years 7 to 10. He also contributed to the school's newsletter. In early 2023, the school shared photos of Mr Russell dressed in a bedsheet styled as a toga to teach a Year 7 class about democracy. The caption read: 'A vote was held as an example of direct democracy to vote out who was thought too powerful. Mr Russell was banished for 10 years!'
Locals told The West that the teacher had lived in the town for several years and was regularly seen walking his German Shepherd. He is understood to have lived on Casuarina Drive, which is adjacent to Marri Drive. Before joining Katanning Senior High School, Mr Russell worked at Pemberton District High School, located about 200 kilometres away.
