A TEACHER collapsed and died at the Meadowbrook High School in St Andrew yesterday.

A source at the school said the male teacher, who was taking a nine grade class through its paces in industrial arts, was writing on the blackboard when he suddenly collapsed, hit his head and died.

The teacher’s sudden death caused school officials to suspend classes for the day and send home all pupils.

Students and teachers were traumatised by the tragic incident and many cried openly, a staff member told the Jamaica Observer.

“His fellow colleagues were visibly upset ,and the death has shaken up the entire school community,” the staff member, who asked not to be identified, said.

A student also confirmed the incident.

“We were instructed through the school speaker system that school was called off for the day and those of us who had to take the bus should go home immediately. Some of the students were crying, while others were comforting each other. It was a sad sight,” the student said.

The teacher was only identified as ‘Mr Heaven’ by the student.

The Jamaica Constabulary’s Director of Communications Karl Angell last night confirmed the incident.