POMPTON LAKES, NJ — A teacher was found dead of an apparent suicide Friday evening at High School where he taught, police say.
Around 9:00 p.m., police officers were called to Pompton Lakes High School to conduct a ‘welfare check’ regarding a school employee.
Officers searched the building and discovered the body of Patrick Moccia, 47, from Doylestown, Pennsylvania.
Moccia was a teacher at the school, and his death is “believed to be the result of an apparent suicide,” prosecutors said. An autopsy will be conducted by the New Jersey Medical Examiner’s Office.
According to NorthJersey.com, Moccia is survived by his wife, two children and two stepchildren. He had been hired as a woodshop teacher in September after the former woodshop teacher died due to COVID-19 complications.
“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.” Pompton Lakes Councilwoman Jennifer Polidori wrote on Facebook.
This investigation is ongoing.
If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide please call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255, text TALK to 741741, or chat online here.
