District 210 Supt. Lawrence Wyllie released a statement on the death of beloved teacher and band director Steve Nedzel, remembering the way he shared his love of music with students.

The Lincoln-Way West band director died Friday following a falling accident a few days earlier. Immediately, current and former students and other friends began to share their memories of Nedzel. On Saturday, Wyllie released this statement:

"The Lincoln-Way High School District 210 is mourning the loss of faculty member Steve Nedzel. Steve was the Lincoln-Way West Music Department Chair, director of the West Warrior Marching Band, Pep Band, Percussion Ensemble, and a teacher of Music Technology I and II, died Friday, June 17. He worked for Lincoln-Way for 8 years.

"Steve was a teacher who gave his knowledge and love of music to his students. Steve always put his students first. He was a very talented musician and teacher who shared his passion for music with his students. As the Music Department Chair at West, he was respected by his fellow department chairs, as well as the other three high school music chairs.

"On behalf of the board of education, faculty, staff and students, I send our condolences and prayers to his family."