Amarillo teacher under investigation commits suicide

Sept. 14, 2016, 6:48 p.m. CT

An Amarillo Independent School District teacher under criminal investigation for possible inappropriate relationships with students has committed suicide, according to a school letter sent to parents Wednesday.

The teacher was identified as 50-year-old Tim Mohler. He was a sixth-grade social studies teacher at Fannin Middle School.

"Upon learning of the allegations, AISD took immediate action, began working with the authorities and placed the teacher on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation," the letter, signed by school Principal Nathan Culwell, read. "As a result, the teacher did not report to work this school year."

According to the letter, the Amarillo Police Department informed the district that Mohler's death had been ruled a suicide.

Mohler had worked at Amarillo ISD for 21 years, district spokeswoman Holly Shelton said Wednesday afternoon. Shelton said the district was made aware of his death Monday evening.

Amarillo police declined to release any details about the investigation Wednesday morning.

"We aren't releasing any information on that due to there not being an indictment, warrant or arrest," Officer Jeb Hilton said in an email. "We don't do it on any other case and aren't going to make an exception for this one."

Despite the allegations of misconduct, Mohler was remembered fondly by former students, and his death triggered an outpouring of grief on social media.

"He was still a person who was loved by many and his life should be celebrated," wrote a Facebook commenter. "The way he died and the accusations have nothing to do with honoring the life of a teacher who impacted so many."

Alex Evans, a former student of Mohler's, was working Wednesday to coordinate a Friday night candlelight vigil at Southlawn Park, several blocks away from the school.

"He was a real big part of my life," Evans said in a phone interview.

Evans, who is 16 years old and said he is now a student at Premier High School in Amarillo, explained that Mohler helped him overcome a drinking problem and a dark point in his life.

"He's the only reason I didn't end my life or end up dropping out of school," Evans said.

The letter to parents said Amarillo ISD would not be sponsoring or participating in any memorial activities on school facilities out of a concern that "such tributes may unintentionally suggest suicide as an option to impressionable young students."

Amarillo ISD offered the services of its trauma team for students affected by Mohler's death.