Local

'A wonderful man': Students remember beloved teacher found dead after 3 years

DOUGLAS COUNTY, Ga. — Students and faculty are mourning the loss of a beloved high school teacher found dead near the interstate three years after he disappeared.

Police say Larry Bolen’s death is not a case of foul play but that doesn't make it easier for those who knew him.

Some teenagers hiking a trail near I-20 Wednesday night, discovered human remains that turned out to be Bolen’s.

Bolen was widely admired for his work in Douglas County schools and was about to retire when he disappeared in 2015. His minivan was found parked in Hunter Park in Douglasville, about a mile and a half where his body was found years later.

“This was just devastating news, and the news spread quickly through the district,” said Portia Lake with Douglas County schools.

Administrators, teachers and students are saddened over the 62-year-old’s death

“He was a wonderful man, a wonderful leader, a wonderful inspiration to other students,” Lake said.

TRENDING STORIES:

Sheriff's investigator have ruled out foul play or suicide as a cause of death, but they believe he left his vehicle, went for a walk and never returned.

“It could have been a health condition, it could have very well been. We could assume. We just don’t know,” Douglas County Sgt. Jesse Hambrick said.

Authorities say Bolen's exact cause of death may never be known.

Bolen taught English literature for nearly three decades in Douglas County, first at Lithia Spring High School and then at Alexander High School.

Brittany Paulson, a former student of Bolen’s, said she closely followed the years long search for Bolen.

“No one wanted him to be found that way. We wanted to think he was happy. That he was still alive,” she said.

She said Bolen was an excellent educator, always encouraged students to be their best and was quick to offer extra attention if they fell behind.

"He would go the extra mile. Stay after school to help the students who need more help. He was just awesome,” she said. "He wanted to do more than teach. He wanted to be a mentor."

Bolen was named teacher of the year during his career.

Students are now organizing a memorial for him.