Video: Bellevue music teacher killed in boating collision

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SEATTLE -- The woman killed when a power boat rammed into an anchored sailboat on Lake Washington was a beloved Bellevue music teacher.

Heather DeHart, 37, taught at Tyee Middle School.

Police say a 17-year-old boy was driving the boat at a high rate of speed in the dark Saturday night when it hit the sailboat DeHart was on. Police spokeswoman Renee Witt says the boy was questioned and released.

"Kids describe her today as passionate, enthusiastic, bold personality," said Principal Judy Buckmaster.

In letters and cards written to DeHart and her family, students reflected on the teacher with a big heart and a passion for music.

"She really pushed them to be the best people they could be, to be disciplined and to be good people and good citizens of the school," said Buckmaster.

The grief is being felt to other schools in the district because of the hundreds of lives DeHart touched.

"The eighth graders were particularly affected by this loss and the students at the high school as well who had been through her program," said Buckmaster.

Three other people were injured in the collision.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.