Students and staff mourn Cape Breton teacher killed in ATV accident

Grief counsellors were at several schools in Cape Breton Monday, following the weekend death of a popular gym teacher and respected coach.

Robbie Chiasson, 49,died in New Waterford, N.S., earlySunday in an ATV accident. He is survived by his wife and three young children.

His death is affecting students and staff at schoolswhere he worked and was well known.

"The students arrived today to find out they've lost someone who's been very important in their school life," said Cathy Viva, the director of programs and services forthe Cape Breton-Victoria Regional Centre for Education.

Viva said Chiassonwas known well beyond the classroomas someone who was heavily involved in coaching and community events.

"He was very interested in providing excellent programming for the students," said Viva.

Viva said grief counsellors were available for staff on Sunday.

Chiasson's death is felt widely throughout the community, as he hadcoached the Cape Breton University men's soccer team from 2003 to 2014.

The ATV accident happened at4 a.m.Sundayon James Street in New Waterford.

Police saidthe man was pronounced dead at the scene. They have not said how the ATV accident happened, buttheir investigation continues.