Students mourn after Gwinnett elementary school teacher’s body found in Mexico

GWINETT COUNTY, Ga. — A Gwinnett County elementary school teacher missing since October has been found dead in Mexico.

While police investigate what happened to her, on Wednesday her students mourned her passing.

Alexandra Morales, 24, vanished while on vacation. Police found her body in Guadalajara on Tuesday.

A parent who knew the teacher told Channel 2′s Audrey Washington that her daughter adored Morales.

Morales taught first grade at Benefield Elementary School. So many there were hoping this would all end differently.

“She had a lot of energy and patience,” Maria Del Rosario Palasios said about Morales. “Ms. Morales was always really cheerful, really peppy.”

Palasios said Morales also found unique ways to help her students learn.

“My daughter is a Spanish-dominant speaking child, so she struggled a little in school and Ms. Morales was bilingual, really understanding,” Palasios said.

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Palasios was one of the first parents to repost a flyer to her social media page when the first-grade teacher suddenly vanished.

Family members said that in late October, Morales left for vacation in Mexico. She was last seen at a concert.

Days later, no one could get in touch with her.

The family filed a missing person’s report, but on Tuesday came the awful news. Police in Mexico found the body of Morales.

“With my daughter, it’s been having to explain death and what it means to never come back,” Palasios said.

On Wednesday, the school emailed parents and explained ways to help students cope. The school principal stated:

“After notifying our staff members, we made phone calls to the families of students in Ms. Morales’ class so that they could comfort their child. That said, we know this loss touches many in our school community and we want to support our students and staff members during this difficult time. Our counselors are here to listen, to talk, to assist with the questions, and to help with the emotions that accompany this type of loss.”

“I think all deaths are really tragic, but with this one, with so many unanswered questions it’s a little more unsettling,” Palasios said.

There are still many questions left unanswered in this case.

Washington learned the family is working closely with police to find out what happened to Alexandra Morales.

IN OTHER NEWS:

Search for a one year old boy continues in Clarkston Family members searched for a missing one year old who was left in the car. Police is asking anyone with information to come forward.

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