SHEFFIELD, Ala. – A Sheffield High School teacher was found dead Saturday morning.  Confirmation of Jared Mothershed’s death came from Keith Lankford, the Superintendent of Sheffield City Schools.  He sent a release Saturday morning which indicated the Sheffield Police Department confirmed Mothershed’s death.

Lankford’s release indicates Mothershed had been placed on paid administrative leave pending the results of a personnel investigation earlier in the week.   Lanksford’s statement said, “Our focus is now shifting to the students and we ask for your prayers for our students, our faculty and Mothershed’s family.”

The Sheffield High web page indicates that Mothershed is a teacher of Social Science; as well as Head Baseball Coach and an Assistant Football Coach.  The school’s site also says Mothershed is a native of Tuscumbia and a graduate of Deshler High School. He’d been with the school system since 2013.

Mothershed leaves behind a wife, Sara,  and son. No further details regarding his death were released. The community held a vigil tonight at the baseball field to honor him.

“Sheffield is small and we are a family, but this is going to make us closer. Our kids are hurting right now, a lot of kids hurting. Family, friends, and individuals that are connected to the school system will overcome this,” Assistant Baseball Coach Tabias Hood said.

The news of his death has left the community numb. “He taught us how to keep our heads up, never let them down and it’s always about the attitude on the field,” said Sheffield High School baseball player Noah Eaton.

Funeral arrangements for Mothershed have been made at Underwood Baptist Church in Florence on October 31. Visitation will be from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m with the funeral service to follow. A private burial for the family will be held after the service.