COBB COUNTY, Ga. — An American flag flew half-staff on the campus of North Cobb Christian School Tuesday for a beloved teacher who died over the weekend. Authorities say John-Michael Ritchey, 23, fell to his death during a hike in Fannin County.
"We're relying on each other and God to help us through this tough situation,” said junior James Bitner.
On the school grounds in Acworth, students wore blue, Ritchey’s favorite color. Some wrote messages on their arms and on a waist-high rock that quickly became a memorial. One student flew a homemade flag from his vehicle that read “Fly High King Ritchey.”
Ritchey’s uncle, Steve Ritchey, visited the rock Tuesday evening and told Channel 2’s Rikki Klaus it was “heart-wrenching” to read the students’ notes to his nephew.
"His parents and I came out here last night and the rock was covered up, but we had to uncover it and read all these and weep over it,” said Steve Ritchey.
A few of the students' messages read, "I'm still here because of him. He lead me to God, which saved my life,” "You inspired me so much," and “Your zeal is historic.”
"We're all so proud of John-Michael. What a wonderful young man,” said Steve Richey, who noted the handwritten sentiments were also a joyful reminder of John-Michael’s work.
The English teacher started teaching at NCCS last year and made a big impact in a short period of time.
"I want to live my life like him,” said 10th-grader Stephen Smith.
Junior Leah Knox told Klaus, "I remember one time I was having a bad day, and I was walking, and then he came and got like this far away from my face and was like, ‘You can't go any farther until you smile.’"
Students and staff told Klaus Ritchey always smiled, did cartwheels down the hallway and treated every student as valuable.
"He was one of those guys that I think had a God-given gift that in a short conversation, [he] had an impact. He showed care. He loved equally,” said Todd Clingman, head of school.
“I mean, our teachers are great, but I’ve never seen somebody care about his students so much that he would check in with them and make sure that they were getting closer to Christ each and every day,” said Smith.
The Fannin County coroner told Klaus over the phone that Ritchey and his wife Alex were hiking with another couple Saturday, when Ritchey slipped off a cliff and fell to the bottom of Panther Creek Falls. He hit his head and died.
Students told Klaus no matter how much time goes by, Ritchey will not be forgotten.
"He really was a true model. He helped me further my walk with God, and he brought me closer to Christ,” said Bitner. "He's in heaven for sure, right next to God."
Visitation is scheduled for Wednesday, Sept. 23 from 6-8 p.m. at Winkenhofer Pine Ridge Funeral Home (2950 North Cobb Parkway NW, Kennesaw). The funeral home says it’s expecting a packed house, about 1,000 people.