Waterford High School special education teacher Christopher Johnson died unexpectedly Saturday evening, according to Principal Don Macrino.
The cause of death is not yet known, although it appears it was a natural death, Macrino said. Johnson appeared healthy Friday, he said.
“The reaction is shock and sadness,” Macrino said. “You leave school Friday and everything is fine. This isn’t what you expect to hear.”
Macrino said Johnson was in his early- to mid-40s, and he was, “a very, very caring guy.” Macrino said he notified the staff at , and he and the staff will deal with the students first thing Monday morning.
“At a time like this our responsibility is with the students and to make sure they grieve responsibly and look out for each other,” Macrino said. “Not unlike a family would.”
Macrino said this is the first time in his career he experienced the unexpected death of a teacher as young as Johnson. He said Johnson had strong relationships with several students and teachers.
“He was a teacher who really related well to kids,” Macrino said. “He looked out for students who didn’t always have somebody to look out for them.”
