Pennsylvania

Montgomery County's Academy of New Church Schools Cancel Classes After Teacher's Death

Marah Boyesen taught physical education at the Bryn Athyn Girl's School

A Montgomery County private school canceled classes Monday as the community mourned the body of a teacher was found at a cemetery.

The Academy of the New Church Secondary Schools in Bryn Athyn announced the death of physical education teacher Marah Boyesen on Facebook midday Monday:

"Sadly we have received notification that the remains of our friend and colleague, Marah Boyesen, have been found. We have notified the students and parents and are canceling the rest of the school day." [[409327805, C]]

Bryn Athyn Police searched Sunday night for the missing educator, said Police Chief Glenn Coffin. A person walking in Bryn Athyn Cemetery found Boyesen's body Monday morning, said police.

Investigators opened a death scene investigation Monday. They didn't suspect foul play and said it appeared to be suicide, said Coffin. The Montgomery County Coroner's Office would issue an official ruling on a cause of death, he said.

The school didn’t reveal details about Boyesen’s death in its post attributed to Girl’s School principal Kira Schadegg and Boy’s School principal Jeremy Irwin, instead focusing on the community.

"At a time like this, the instinct is to reach out and ask, 'What can I do?' The answer right now is to provide the family with some space," said the post. "Over the coming hours and days, opportunities to provide support will be made available.

"Please hold each other gently over the next several days."

The school suggested anyone with questions or "concerns about anyone’s welfare" to reach out to administration.

The New Church is a Christian-faith group formed by 18th Century Swedish theologian and scientist Emanuel Swedenborg, said ANC's website. The Boy's School was formed in 1881 with the girl's school opening in 1884.


SUICIDE PREVENTION HELP: The National Suicide Prevention Hotline (1-800-273-8255) is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

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