A Tennessee school was met with tragedy before classes began last Thursday as authorities responded to an alarming discovery inside one of its classrooms in the early morning hours.
A tragic incident occurred at Munford High School in Tennessee on March 6, 2025, when teacher Samuel Colin Day was found dead in a classroom. Authorities confirmed that Day died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound before the start of the school day.
The Munford Police Department (MPD) was alerted to the situation early in the morning and responded immediately. In an official statement, Chief Randal Baskin assured the public that there was no ongoing threat to students or staff.
At 6:51 a.m., officers arrived at the scene and discovered Day’s body inside a classroom. In their 8:30 a.m. update, MPD stated that their investigation found no indications of foul play.
The department later reiterated this in a 10:52 a.m. update, confirming that the teacher had died from an apparent suicide at approximately 6 a.m. before any students had arrived on campus.
Authorities closed Munford High School for the day to allow investigators to process the scene. They also reassured parents that all students in all schools were safe.
The exterior of Munford High School, as seen in a video dated March 7, 2025 | Source: YouTube/ABC24Memphis
The Tipton County Board of Education, which oversees Munford High School, expressed deep sorrow over Day’s passing.
In a statement to People, the board said, “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 board asked for privacy for Day’s family during this difficult time. The Munford Police Department also extended its condolences, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, friends, students, and faculty affected by this heartbreaking event.”
The exterior of Tipton County Schools, as seen in a video dated March 7, 2025 | Source: YouTube/ABC24Memphis
Munford High School also acknowledged the loss in a March 9 Facebook post, assuring families that the school would provide mental health support for students and staff upon their return.
It read, “Expect a letter from Dr. Fee on your Skyward Family Access and over family email around 2:00 p.m. on Sunday. That letter will detail our return Monday morning, the availability of mental health professionals and school counselors Monday morning and in the following days, and changes to our week’s schedule, including moving the ACT to Thursday.”
The school also thanked the community for its support, writing, “We will mend together.”
Residents of Munford have been deeply affected by the tragedy. Speaking to ABC24 Memphis, Tim Hopper, whose son and niece attend Munford High School, shared his reaction, “It’s really wild to hear something like that out here because we don’t get a lot of school deaths out here [sic].”
Tim Hopper shares his thoughts on the school teacher’s tragic death, as seen in a video dated March 7, 2025 | Source: YouTube/ABC24Memphis
According to Munford High School, Day was a special education teacher. Hopper mentioned that while his son wasn’t particularly close to Day, his niece had a stronger bond with the teacher and was struggling to process the loss.
A spokesperson for Tipton County Schools shares her thoughts on Samuel Colin Day’s death, as seen in a video dated March 7, 2025 | Source: YouTube/ABC24Memphis
A school spokesperson stated that it remains unclear what triggered Day’s death. “It could have just been something personal that we’re not aware of. We just don’t know.”
Following Day’s passing, mental health concerns for school staff have come into focus. Dr. Jessie Gold, Chief Wellness Officer with the University of Tennessee system, emphasized the importance of supporting educators in discussions surrounding mental health.
“Even though students do need our attention and our focus and obviously is like our first step for attention, but I think in the conversation, sometimes faculty and staff get left out because they’re just not paying the tuition. They’re not the people going to the school. It’s not the obvious thing,” added Gold.
Gold encouraged people to practice patience and understanding with colleagues, friends, and family as they navigate traumatic experiences.
Tributes have poured in from those who knew Day, highlighting his dedication to students and his impact on the school community.
April Deer, who worked with him for 10 years, shared, “He was a great guy, always joking and laughing. Lots of memories. He will be truly missed by many. Prayers going up for Munford High School and the Day family.”
Carol Somerville, who worked under Day for years, reflected on the many memories they shared.
“He was a great person to work with. He did a spectacular job as the consulting teacher. He was a special friend. I’ll remember the laughs we shared. I’ll remember the end-of-the-year picnics. I’ll remember him side by side helping with the sausage and biscuits,” she wrote.
“I’ll remember our weekly Walmart outing with our students. I’ll remember him continuing the tradition of licking the side of my face. So many memories and so much more I will remember,” concluded Somerville.
Another colleague, Harley Romaine, recalled Day’s dedication, “One of the first teachers I had the honor to know when I started working at Munford High School in 2010. I’ve had the opportunity to get to know him very well despite his hectic schedule. He always made time to chat with me.”
Romaine went on to say, “He was always exceptionally kind. He was the most dedicated teacher, always being the last to leave, working late in the special ed department. He had a huge heart for the students.”
According to Facebook, Day was a family man. His wife previously posted a photo of their son’s graduation in May 2017.
Samuel Colin Day’s passing has left a deep impact on Munford High School and the surrounding community. Authorities continue to encourage those affected by the tragedy to seek support.
If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text “help” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741, or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.