The Boonsboro High School and wider agricultural education community are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Brian Long, a dedicated agriculture teacher, mentor, and lifelong advocate for farming and youth development. Brian tragically passed away in a farm machinery accident, leaving behind a legacy of passion, service, and deep-rooted commitment to the agricultural world he cherished.

Brian Long was a native of Charles Town, West Virginia, and a proud graduate of Jefferson High School. He continued his education at West Virginia University, earning a degree in Agricultural and Extension Education, which he used to inspire countless students during his time as an agriculture teacher at Boonsboro High School in Maryland.

He was a resident of New Enterprise, Pennsylvania, and was married to Hannah Bechtel. Brian was more than an educator—he was a beacon of positivity, hard work, and integrity in every community he was part of. His ties to agriculture ran deep, having grown up immersed in the values of Berkeley County 4-H, where he showed sheep and dairy cattle at local fairs and events. Friends and former 4-H members recall his calm, confident presence in the show ring and the care and pride he showed for his animals.

Brian’s heart was most alive in the dairy barn—showing cattle wasn’t just a hobby for him; it was a true passion that helped shape the man he became. He not only exhibited a deep knowledge of farming and livestock but also shared it freely with those around him, mentoring younger 4-H members and bringing his experience into the classroom and community.

In addition to his teaching career, Brian served as a WVU Extension summer intern and contributed to 4-H camps, where his influence on the next generation of agricultural leaders was deeply felt. Whether offering a hand in a teaching moment, sharing a story around a campfire, or simply showing up with a warm smile, Brian’s generosity of spirit touched all who had the privilege of knowing him.

The WVU Agricultural and Extension Education department shared their grief in a public statement, calling Brian “one of our own” and encouraging the community to keep his loved ones in their thoughts and prayers.

The loss of Brian Long has created a profound void not only for his family and students but also for the entire 4-H and agricultural community throughout West Virginia, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. His memory will live on through the values he exemplified—head, heart, hands, and health—and in the lives he impacted through education, kindness, and his unshakable dedication to agriculture.

May we all strive to honor Brian by carrying forward his passion for farming, his belief in the power of community, and his unwavering commitment to helping others grow.