SPRINGFIELD, Ore. – The Springfield School District is mourning the sudden passing this past weekend of Agnes Stewart Middle School’s assistant principal, E.J. Rotherham.

Posts announcing his death flooded social media overnight earlier this week, with many people expressing shock and commenting about the impact he made in their lives over the years. One former student wrote “he was one of my favorite people at the school,” while others agreed.

“Reading some of the comments and hearing about how he impacted not only his students,” said Brian Richardson, Springfield School District’s director of communications, “…you could really tell and see an impact that AJ had, as a whole, he touched so many people.”

Rotherham was one of the founding staff members when Agnes Stewart Middle School opened its doors in 1998. The district said he played a critical role in shaping the culture and spirit of the school. Richardson said that the responses on social media reflect the legacy and impact Rotherham had on his students and the community.

“You can really tell and see the impact EJ had on families as a whole,” Richardson said. “He touched so many people during his nearly 30 years of teaching and leading schools here in Springfield.”

The cause of Rotherham’s death has not been made public.

Extra support for students and staff was available on campus on Tuesday, including counselors and therapy dogs.