It was a sad day for students at Mepham High School after a beloved Bellmore teacher passed away.

Jason Vitale, 48, was killed during a skiing accident at Killington Ski Resort in Vermont on Saturday.

Grief counselors were on hand Monday to help students and staff deal with the loss.

In a statement, Bellmore-Merrick Superintendent John DeTommaso said, "Jason was a well-respected science teacher at Mepham High School. He cared about kids and families and will be missed by the entire Bellmore-Merrick community".

A wake will be held Thursday and Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 7 to 9 p.m. at Fullerton Funeral Home in Baldwin. The funeral mass will follow on Saturday morning at St. Christopher Church.