Tennessee Teacher Found Dead in Classroom Before Start of School Day

A Tennessee community is mourning a teacher who was found dead in a classroom earlier this week.

Before the start of the school day on Thursday, March 6, the Munford Police Department said in a statement that they “responded to an emergency situation at Munford High School.”

At the school, police said Samuel Colin Day was found dead in a classroom.

Day died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound around 6:00 a.m. local time, according to authorities, who said there was no indication of foul play.

Police did not share additional information on the discovery of Day’s body, but they did say that the “tragic incident” took place “well before students arrived for class.”

“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 said, noting that the school would be closed for the rest of the day as they continued their investigation.

Following the statement from police, tributes began pouring in for the beloved teacher.

“He always tried to make everyone happy,” one commenter wrote in response to the post.

“He was a great guy always joking and laughing,” shared another social media user, who said she worked with him for 10 years. “Lots of memories. He will be truly missed by many.”

A third comment, from an individual who said they were a school parent, described Day as “one of the nicest, kindest and encouraging teachers I’ve met.”

Day’s death was also mourned by Tipton County Schools.

“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,” Tipton County Board of Education, which Munford High School is part of, told PEOPLE in a statement on Friday.