WILLIAMSBURG, Ky. (WATE/AP) - State Rep. Dewayne Bunch, who is also a teacher, was critically injured Tuesday morning while trying to break up a fight at Whitley County High School.
A statement from a hospital in Corbin said Bunch is in "extremely critical" condition.
Whitley County Superintendent Scott Paul says a 15-year-old and 16-year-old male student at the high school were fighting during breakfast in the cafeteria around 7:20 a.m.
Bunch and two other teachers were assaulted trying to break up the fight, which started outside the school and continued when the students came in.
Bunch, who was the first to respond, is the only one who had to be taken to the hospital.
Sheriff Colan Harrell says Bunch ran into a punch and fell on the floor, which is "like slate."
Freshman student Tyler Bolin saw Bunch after he was injured. "Blood was everywhere," he said. "It was coming out of his ears."
Bunch was transferred to UK Medical Center after he was taken by ambulance to Baptist Regional Medical Center in Corbin.
The two students appeared before a judge who ordered them sent to the juvenile facility in Breathitt County.
Paul says the students have been suspended and they're charged with assault.
The county's schools held a moment of silence Tuesday for Bunch, who has taught math and science for about 16 years.
Bunch also served in the National Guard for more than 20 years. He returned from a tour in Iraq and decided to run for election and won in 2010.
The Republican legislator's district includes Whitley County and part of Laurel County.
House Republican Leader Jeff Hoover released a statement that says in part, "On behalf of the Kentucky House Republican Caucus, we want to offer our thoughts and prayers for Rep. Bunch, his family, friends, co-workers, and constituents as we await further word on his condition and the prognosis on his recovery. Dewayne is an outstanding legislator and is passionate about education, not only in his native Whitley County but the entire commonwealth."
6 News Reporter Mona Nair contributed to this report. Some portions of this report copyright 2011 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
Rep. Dewayne Bunch (source: Kentucky Legislature)
