safety
‘Will not be forgotten’: Police say after beloved Manchester school crossing guard passes away
By Danica Sauter at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· June 23, 2026
· 1 min read
MANCHESTER, Tenn. (WSMV) - The Manchester Police Department said a beloved school crossing guard unexpectedly passed away. MPD said Gary Zimmerman, “Mr. Z,” was committed to the safety of children and families at College Street Elementary. Officials said his presence was a daily reassurance to pa...
Key takeaway (WSMV) - The Manchester Police Department said a beloved school crossing guard unexpectedly passed away.
Why this matters in The Nashville
The passing of Gary Zimmerman, affectionately known as "Mr. Z," leaves a void in the Manchester community, particularly at College Street Elementary where he diligently served as a school crossing guard. His dedication to ensuring the safety of children and families has been a staple of the community, providing a sense of security for parents and a friendly face for students. The Manchester Police Department's tribute to Mr. Z reflects the impact he had on those around him, and his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire a sense of duty and care for others. As the community comes together to mourn his loss, the visitation and service at Central Funeral Home will be an opportunity for those who knew him to pay their respects and celebrate his life. The outpouring of support from the Manchester Police Department and the community at large is a testament to the lasting impression Mr. Z has left on the town.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? MANCHESTER, Tenn. (WSMV) - The Manchester Police Department said a beloved school crossing guard unexpectedly passed away. MPD said Gary Zimmerman, “Mr. Z,” was committed to the safety of children and families at College Street Elementary. Officials said his presence was a daily reassurance to pa...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Danica Sauter at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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