ELIZABETHTOWN, Ky. — A high school in Elizabethtown, Kentucky is mourning after a beloved teacher died Monday morning.
Austin Jones was a special education teacher and head coach for the boys basketball team at John Hardin High School.
School officials released a statement, expressing how impactful this loss will be on staff members and students.
"Mr. Jones was a vital member of the John Hardin family. Generations will feel his impact on students, his fellow staff members, the school, alumni and our community. He passionately cared for students and their well-being. He was a mentor and a friend. He gave selfless dedication to the school. He gave everything he had to his family, his students and his team," the statement said.
A crisis response team made up of licensed school professional will be at JHHS to meet with anyone who needs support on Monday, officials said.
"We ask our Hardin County Schools family to keep Mr. Jones’ family in their thoughts today and in the days, weeks and months to come. The Bulldog family is devastated. And, when one part of our family hurts, we all hurt," the statement said.
Make it easy to keep up-to-date with more stories like this. Download the WHAS11 News app now. For Apple or Android users.
Have a news tip? Email assign@whas11.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter feed.