A middle school coach and teacher at Devine Independent School District died suddenly of a heart attack after collapsing in front of his students early in January.
Jacob Sanchez, 35, of Bigfoot, Texas died on Thursday, January 5, 2023.
According to reports, Sanchez suddenly collapsed at the start of class.
He was promptly given CPR by the staff members, but unfortunately, they were unable to save him.
“Parents we are in a medical hold at this time. All students are safe. All ms school games have been cancelled for today,” Devine ISD wrote on its social media.
According to the Bexar County Medical Examiner’s Office, Sanchez died of a heart attack.
School principal Kandi Darnell was with him minutes before he collapsed, as reported by KSAT.
“He seemed fine and everything seemed fine,” she said.
“We lost a friend, colleague, and just a good man today,” Darnell wrote.
“Jacob was the kind of person who would do anything to help out others. He was a kids’ teacher. He worked hard to connect with all of our kids not just our athletes. Our kids are going to have a tough time, but our DMS family will be there to help our kids as well as each other. On a personal level I feel as if I’ve lost a son. I’ve known Jacob since he was little. He and my son were in the same class. I taught Jacob. As a principal I counted on Jacob to help with some of our tougher customers. I would get him to talk to them. He was always willing to help. He was one of the first ones to volunteer to chaperone dances, field trips etc… He would do anything for the kids. There will be a big void in our hearts. Pray for his family, our kids, and our community. RIP Jacob,” she concluded.
Sanchez’s wife, Rebecca Powe, issued a statement following her husband’s passing.
“My honey was the light of our lives. He kept our family on our toes, constantly going, and always laughing. We shared a beautiful life together He loved us with his whole heart and loved his life. He was dedicated to the community of Devine and the kids were his motivation every day.”
Devine Intermediate School issued this statement, “Devine Intermediate School would like to extend our thoughts and prayers to the Sanchez family. Our hearts are with all of the Devine community.”
Sanchez’s twin brother David Sanchez thanks the community for their overwhelming support.
“Our brother loved his family, friends and his students especially. He was the kind of man you would strive to be. His door was always open just to lend an ear too. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. We would like to say thank you on behalf of our family for all the love and condolences that have been given. This community has come together at this tough time. We couldn’t be prouder of the impact he has made in our hometown.”
According to Sanchez’s obituary, he started teaching and coaching at Devine ISD in 2016. He taught sixth and eighth-grade Science, and coached football, basketball and track, for the last seven years.
Jacob was fully vaccinated for Covid-19.
According to his social media account, Jacob Sanchez received his first dose of Pfizer Covid-19 vaccine on December 2020 and second dose on January 2021.
“We’ve done our part,” he wrote.
