KENDALL, N.Y. (TND) — A New York State community is in mourning after a pregnant elementary school teacher was found unresponsive in her classroom.
Courtney Fannon, 29, taught special education at Kendall Elementary School. On March 8, she texted her husband, Kurtis, to let him know she was finishing work for the day, according to a GoFundMe created by friends. However, the fundraiser states she was found unresponsive moments later and transported to an area hospital.
Fannon and her unborn baby were both declared dead later that evening, according to the GoFundMe. A cause of death has yet to be released.
"In the wake of this devastating news, Kurtis was left to not only manage final arrangements for Courtney and Hadley [their unborn baby], but he is living mine, and many others, worst nightmare of having to return to a home, filled with baby toys, bottles, furniture and a finished nursery that will no longer be filled with the cooing sounds and shuffling of a newborn," the fundraiser reads. "For those who did not have the wonderful opportunity to meet or get to know Courtney, there is an endless amount of positive and good things that can only be said about her."
The Kendall Central School District canceled classes Monday, while also providing students and staff with grief counselors Tuesday. In a message to families, superintendent Nicholas Picardo called Fannon's death an "unspeakable loss," noting she "served her students with passion and joy each day."
"When she wasn't in her classroom sharing her love and gift for teaching with her students, she could be found walking our halls with a smile and a friendly hello," Picardo wrote.The GoFundMe for Fannon has raised more than $75,000 as of Friday morning. Its description states the proceeds will "be used to aid Kurtis in the next few months as he grieves and mourns the loss of his wife and daughter."
Courtney and Kurtis married in August 2022 after 10 years together, according to the GoFundMe, and they were expecting their child in April.
"Hadley, although we never had the opportunity to meet you, see you grow up and make great things out of yourself, I know that you will live on in all that your family does to ensure that the few breaths that you were able to take were not in vain and will not be forgotten," the fundraiser reads. "One so little should not have the responsibility to look over their father, but with your mom’s guidance, I know that you will be prepared to send messages and signals that you are there watching, just as your mom would be prepared for everything."
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