TRIGGER WARNING: This post contains information about suicide, which may be triggering to some.*
Tragedy struck a Tennessee school community after a beloved teacher died from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound inside his classroom. Samuel Colin Day died on March 6, 2025, just a short time before the start of the school day. Thankfully, there were no students present. His death came as a shock to the school community, which is grappling to understand why Day seemingly did what he did.
According to a news release from the Munford Police Department, officers responded to an emergency at Munford High School about 6 a.m. March 6. Police reported that the situation was contained early on but that the school would remain closed for the day. Police stated the incident involved a deceased teacher but that they did not suspect foul play. Authorities assured no threat to the community existed.
Later in the day, police shared a tragic update identifying Day and adding that he had died from an apparent suicide. “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,” the release posted on Facebook noted.
A coworker shared on the police department’s post, “He was so sweet, I talked to him every morning and we were twins on twin day with another teacher, rip.”
Someone else in the comments pointed out how we never really know what others go through in silence, writing, “Mr. Day is a wonderful man. I could’ve sworn every time I seen him he was smiling and happy. Who knows what he was going through or what was going on but regardless of that, I wish his family, friends, and those closest to him all nothing but the best. Rest peacefully.”
Munford High School shared a post on Facebook on March 9, stating its intention to heal from Day’s tragic death.
“We will mend together. Good Sunday morning Cougar families. Expect a letter from Dr. Fee on your Skyward Family Access and over family email around 2:00 p.m. on Sunday,” the post reads. “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. Keep lifting us up, we feel the support.”
Many shared their love and prayers in the comments section.
As one person wrote, “Praying for the students, teachers, and all other staff as you head back to school this week.”
“WE are COUGAR STRONG!! Continued prayers for the students, the faculty and staff, and our community! We are a family and we will get through this!!” someone else commented.
“Prayers for our community, teachers, students and families. Im thankful for the folks helping with support,” a follower prayed.
Note: If you or any of your loved ones are struggling with suicidal thoughts, you can always reach out to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling 988. They are available 24/7 by phone or online chat.
