Police charge man, 22, in hit-and-run that killed local Grade 2 teacher

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TORONTO, Ont. – A 22-year-old man turned himself in Saturday evening after a hit-and-run incident that killed a local elementary-school teacher.

Miguel Oliviera faces one count of failing to stop at the scene of an accident causing death.

Tom Samson, 35, died after being struck by a minivan while riding his bike near Lansdowne Avenue and Davenport Road.

The collision happened just before 7 a.m. Friday when Samson was crossing at a light.

Police are still trying to determine if he had the right of way.

Samson, a married father of two and popular Grade 2 teacher and coach at Swansea Junior and Senior Public School, was pronounced dead in hospital after being struck.

Reports indicate he had been cycling to meet a friend for breakfast.

On the Swansea parent council’s site, the school’s principal said it was “a sombre day” for the students and teachers. Samson taught at the school for eight years and was described as a caring, valued member.

“Tom was an avid chess coach and player, many of his students will remember being soundly beaten by him,” principal Karen Ridley wrote. “He also coached the boys’ basketball team and led the Swansea Sharks to many victories.”

His funeral is set for Tuesday.

His family is asking donations be made to the Toronto Public Library Foundation.   

Also, a trust fund has been set up for Samson’s family at the Bank of Montreal at Windermere and Bloor. A book of remembrance will be set up at the school.

The group Advocacy for Respect for Cyclists (ARC) says it will be holding a memorial for Samson Friday at the scene of the fatal collision.

His death marks the city’s 39th traffic fatality of 2012. 

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