A TEACHER is believed to have killed himself at the high school where he worked, police said on Saturday.
Patrick Moccia was found dead inside the Pompton Lakes High School in New Jersey just after 9pm on Friday, where police were called to check in on him.
An autopsy has been scheduled for Moccia, 47, of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, to determine his official cause of death, but Passaic County Prosecutor Camelia M. Valdes and Pompton Lakes Police Chief Derek Clark said the manner was apparent.
Moccia’s cause of death “is believed to be the result of an apparent suicide,” the two said in a joint statement.
“This investigation is active and ongoing,” the statement continued. “More information will be released when it becomes available.”
Pompton Lakes Councilmember Jennifer Polidori wrote “My heart goes out to the family of Patrick Moccia, please keep them in your thoughts during this difficult time. This is a sad and tragic loss for our community.”
The school’s website lists Moccia as a technology education teacher.
He began as a woodshop teacher last fall, coming to the school after working at Delaware Valley Regional High School in Allentown Pennsylvania.
Schools Superintendent Paul Amoroso expressed condolences for Moccia’s family.
“We ask that you keep Mr. Moccia and his family in your thoughts and prayers,” he added.
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.
