A Kentucky school community is mourning the loss of a well-known volleyball coach and teacher who authorities say was killed by her estranged husband in a murder-suicide, just weeks after she filed for divorce.
Brian Harman, 54, fatally shot Keyata Harman, 52, before taking his own life at their home near Bardstown on Tuesday, officials told the Lexington Herald-Leader. Keyata taught at Bardstown Middle School and coached the girls’ volleyball team at Nelson County High School.
Keyata Harman filed for divorce Oct. 15. The couple had initially separated in September of the previous year.
Bardstown City Schools Superintendent Ryan Clark described the tragedy as “an exceptionally sad time for our school and our community.”
“She made lasting impressions on countless students and colleagues in her time at Bardstown Middle. Her impact will be felt for years to come,” Principal Matt Bartley said, according to WLKY.com.
Deputies discovered a man and a woman with fatal gunshot wounds inside the residence, the Nelson County Sheriff’s Office said. The Nelson County Coroner’s Office identified the couple and ruled the deaths a murder-suicide.
Neighbor Nancy Ulrich said she heard gunfire late Monday night but initially believed the sounds came from deer hunters in the area.
“Devastated that could have happened here and to my neighbors. It was a blow definitely,” Ulrich said. “I didn’t only consider her my neighbor, but I considered her my friend.”