PASCO COUNTY, Fla. — A teacher hit by a vehicle Thursday morning outside Anclote High School has died, the school's athletic department said Friday.

In a post on Twitter, the department said, "It is with a very heavy heart that we announce the passing of Coach (Ciara) McKeon. We are heartbroken, but grateful for the impact that she had on all of our lives. Please keep the McKeon family and Anclote community in your thoughts."

McKeon was 28 years old.

The school's principal urged parents and students to remember “the amazing person that Coach Ciara McKeon was. Let’s remember her positive outlook and her smiling face, and appreciate the huge impact she has had on our students – and on all of us. She was an integral part of our school community and will never be forgotten.”

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash happened just before 7 a.m. when the 24-year-old male driver of a Kia Sorento SUV failed to see the McKeon walking in the school's rear parking lot. 

Authorities said he struck McKeon, and she became briefly trapped underneath the vehicle. The teacher was transported to an area hospital where she was listed in critical condition.

"This is a traumatic event for everyone involved. I want to thank Pasco Fire Rescue and the Pasco Sheriff's Office for their quick response and for their support," said Kurt Browning, Superintendent of Pasco County Schools.

McKeon was a physical education teacher and had been at Anclote for two years. She also coached girls tennis.

“She is loved because she connects with the students," said Assistant Principal James Smith. "She has that coaching background. She’s really passionate about our students and wanting to support them in every way possible.

The school district Crisis Team has been at Anclote High for the past two days to support students and staff cope with the tragedy. They will be back on campus on Monday. District office staff also reported to the school on Thursday and Friday to help out or fill in where necessary.

Parents and community members have said they plan to bring flowers and cards Saturday morning to set up an impromptu memorial dedicated to Coach McKeon at the Anclote High School campus. It is scheduled from 8:30 a.m. until 11 a.m. at the Anclote High School sign just outside the entrance to the campus.