Students Find High School Teacher Dead

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Two McGavock High School students found an algebra teacher dead at her Donelson home, according to the school's executive principal, Robin Wall.




The teacher, 53-year-old Rene Fox, taught at McGavock for three years. She worked for Metro schools a total of 26 years. She previously taught at Two Rivers Middle School.



Wall said Fox died in her sleep late Wednesday afternoon. Wall said two students and a friend of Fox's found her unresponsive in her Emberlake Drive home and called 911. Wall said Fox normally drove the students to school.



Staff and students at the school said Fox's death is a big shock.



"There wasn't anything that you could ask of Ms. Fox that she wouldn't try to do for the kids," said Bruce Jackson, assistant principal. "I mean, she just loved them."



Fox was described as a popular, energetic teacher.



"(She) always loved to have fun, always seemed like she was in a good mood. I don't ever remember seeing her in a bad mood," said senior Bobby Spittle.



"Her class was fun," said Alexis Elam, a senior. "I really enjoyed it. I liked going there every first period. I was so happy."



The preliminary report is that Fox died in her sleep of natural causes. Funeral arrangements for Fox have not be finalized.



Fox was also involved in athletics, coaching cheerleaders at Two Rivers, and she worked concessions or the ticket booth at McGavock basketball and football games.



"She was always willing to stay here until 9 or 10 p.m. to help us out," said basketball coach Marlin Simms