A Tennessee community is in mourning after a beloved high school teacher was found dead in his classroom before the start of the school day.
The Munford Police Department confirmed that on Thursday (March 6) morning, officers responded to an emergency situation at Munford High School. Upon arrival, they discovered teacher Samuel Colin Day deceased in a classroom.
Authorities stated that Day died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound around 6:00AM.
Police emphasized that there was no indication of foul play and that the “tragic incident” occurred well before students arrived on campus.
The police department issued a statement on Facebook, extending condolences to those affected by the loss.
“We are deeply saddened to report a tragic incident that occurred today at MHS. Teacher, Samuel Colin Day, was found deceased in a classroom from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. This incident occurred at approx. 6 am this morning, well before students arrived for class,” they wrote.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, students, and faculty affected by this heartbreaking event. We ask that the community respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time,” police added.
As a result of the incident, the school was closed for the remainder of the day while authorities conducted their investigation.
Following the heartbreaking news, an outpouring of tributes flooded social media, with former colleagues, parents, and students remembering Day as a kind and dedicated educator.
“He was so sweet, I talked to him every morning and we were twins on twin day with another teacher, rip,” one commenter wrote.
“He was such a kind and amazing person. He always tried to make everyone happy. Praying for his family,” another shared.
A third person added: “Mr. Day is a wonderful man. I could’ve sworn every time I [saw] him he was smiling and happy. Who knows what he was going through or what was going on, but regardless of that, I wish his family, friends, and those closest to him all nothing but the best.”
A parent of a Munford High School student echoed similar sentiments, describing Day as “a friendly guy” who “really helped us a lot my son’s freshman year”.
The Tipton County Board of Education, which oversees Munford High School, also released a statement expressing their grief.
“As we mourn the tragic loss of a highly respected and valued member of our school family today, we offer prayers and condolences to Mr. Day’s loved ones, his friends, and the entire staff and student body of Munford High School,” the district shared with PEOPLE.
Authorities have not released additional details about the circumstances surrounding Day’s passing but have urged the community to respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time.
Our thoughts are with everyone affected by his tragic loss.
