Students were sent home early on Monday after a teacher was found dead inside a Maryland elementary school.
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As reported by Fox affiliate WBFF, the body of Deborah Tolson was discovered the morning of March 9. The 75-year-old math interventionist worked at Arundel Elementary School for seven years.
What Was the Teacher's Cause of Death?
Officials believe Tolson died over the weekend. Her body was found before classes began. While a police investigation is ongoing, there were no signs of foul play or trauma. Students were then dismissed at 10:15 a.m. local time.
PEOPLE reports that a spokesperson for Maryland's Office of the Chief Medical Examiner said that Tolson died of an intracerebral hemorrhage.
James Lee, who lives near the school, witnessed the arrival of police on campus.
"At first I thought maybe they was looking for somebody; they was chasing someone coming out of the woods. Because they focus, it was close focusing on the woods on the side of the building. So, after that I said, 'Okay, I don't really know what's going on.' I didn't hear nothing else," Lee said.
Tolson Was a "Beloved Member" of the School Community
Kerry-Ann Malcolm, the principal at Arundel Elementary School, sent a letter to the parents of its students informing them of Tolson's death.
"Our hearts and thoughts remain with Ms. Tolson's family and friends, as well as our entire school community, in this difficult time. We are still gathering additional details and will share what we can at a later time," it read.
"Serving Baltimore City Public Schools for 23 years, Ms. Tolson was a very beloved member of our school community for seven years," it continued. "A pillar of the school community, she was beloved by both students and staff. We are taking several steps to support our students and staff to assist them with their grief. The Baltimore City Public Schools crisis team will support our school and talk to students and staff members to address their questions and concerns. The crisis team will be available as needed in the days ahead to meet in small groups with students and staff members."
Police have yet to comment on the matter.
