Jillian Jacobson Dead, Teacher Commits Suicide, Found Hanged In Classroom [PHOTOS]: Students Pay Tribute To Beloved California Photographer

Reports confirm that a popular photography teacher from El Dorado High School committed suicide in her own classroom earlier this week. The Southern California native named Jillian Jacobson was only 31-years-old.

(LinkedIn)

According to several reliable news outlets including the Huffington Post, students and another educator found Jacobson's lifeless body hanging from her classroom ceiling before classes even started on Monday (March 2). Authorities were immediately called, but paramedics were unable to successfully revive Jacobson.

Responding Lutenient Eric Point later confirmed that no note was left behind, but that "[Jacobson] appears to have committed suicide prior to the start of school at some point in time."

Assistant Superintendent Kevin Lee of the Placentia-Yorba Linda Unified School Districts dismissed students at 11 a.m. that day. Councelors and a crisis intervention team remain available on campus.

Jacobson, who graduated with a Bachelor'ss Degree in art education and ceremics/glass, later went on to get her Master's in educational leadership. She began teaching at El Dorado in 2008. She also taught at Cal State Fullerton's children's art camp - her online bio states:

"My goal every summer is to give campers an experience they will always remember, and to send them home with art work they will be proud of for years to come."

Superintendent Doug Domene later posted this announcement on the school's official website:

Dear PYLUSD Community:

Today, our district and, specifically, El Dorado High School experienced an extremely tragic event. One of our teachers, Jillian Jacobson, took her own life in her classroom prior to the start of school. El Dorado staff contacted my office, and district and site representatives came together to provide additional support for the staff and students at El Dorado. We are prepared to do the same tomorrow and throughout the week.

Words could never express our true sorrow regarding this loss. While we may never make sense of nor understand why this occurred, we do know that turning to each other during this time for support is essential. In addition, we have a responsibility to be vigilant during this time to reach out to those who are in need. To that end, we have provided the following resource for support (link).

 Members of our Crisis Response Team are on site at EDHS. In addition, each school site has counseling support available that may be accessed as needed.

As Superintendent, I am asking that you keep the EDHS family and our entire district community in your thoughts and prayers.

Students and fellow staff members continue offering their condolences and tributes online. A vigil was also recently held in Jacobson's remembrance. RIP, Jillian Jacobson.