Pregnant New York special education teacher found dead in classroom

A news release from Kendall Elementary School stated that 29-year-old Courtney Fannon was found unresponsive in her empty classroom after school hours on Friday, March 8, Fox News reports.

Despite lifesaving measures, both Ms Fannon and her unborn baby were declared dead at 6.30pm. A cause of death has not been released.

According to a GoFundMe page, Ms Fannon was pregnant with her daughter, who she intended to name Hadley Jaye, and was about four weeks away from her expected arrival.

“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 GoFundMe stated.

“She was loving, genuine and organised in a way that always placed her students ahead of herself, ultimately changing the lives of her students and caregivers, always for the positive.

“As we mourn, we also ask that you hold your loved ones just a little tighter over the next few days, you never know if you will have a tomorrow with them.”

The school said that Ms Fannon had a “passion” for teaching special needs students and always had a friendly smile on her face.

“Courtney was a special-education teacher who served her students with passion and joy each day,” the school said.

“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.”

Mental health counsellors will be available to support students, the school said.

The GoFundMe has raised more than $US70,000 ($106,692) by Thursday afternoon.

Fox News has reached out to Kendall Elementary School for comment.

This article originally appeared on Fox News and was reproduced with permission