Las Vegas, NV (KTNV) - A local teacher, for some unknown reason, brings his life to an end in the middle of a high school courtyard. Fortunately, students were not in school when it happened, but it doesn't lessen the blow as everyone wonders what drove this teacher over the edge.

Police swarmed Western High School near Decatur and Bonanza after staff heard a gunshot and dialed 911.

"This afternoon at about 2:30 one single shot was heard by the staff here at Western High School," Lt. Ken Young with Clark County School Police says.

When police arrive they found a 58 year old man laying dead in the school's courtyard. They say a teacher committed suicide.

"We don't have any specifics as to why he may have taken the actions that he did on today," Lt. Young says.

But rumors are already circulating. Western students were turned away from scheduled school activities and sports practices.

"That's something big. Why would you come do it at school?" Western student, Erick Roman wonders.

A group of students says the man who killed himself is their science teacher and he may have been sick. While none of that has been confirmed by police, it's still disheartening for them to think about.

"It's going to be weird you know," Western student Alex Tauoa says.

Fortunately they still have another day before they will be back. Monday and Tuesday are both scheduled teacher work days. Officers say they hope to have the investigation completed before class is back in session.

"As you can imagine its a pretty traumatic experience for staff members so we do have grief counselors here," Lt. Young says.

Police aren't releasing the teacher's name until all family is notified.

UPDATE: Identified as 58 yr. old, Michael Roberts

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