CHARLOTTE, NC (WBTV) - A Charlotte-area high school principal was found dead from an apparent suicide, just days after taking personal time from his job at a school where an investigation involving a gun was underway.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg School officials confirmed to WBTV on Tuesday that Dr. Barry Bowe, principal at the Northwest School of the Arts died unexpectedly on Monday.
Huntersville Police tell WBTV they believe the 54-year-old principal committed suicide using carbon monoxide.
According to police, a Charlotte-Mecklenburg school employee went to check on Dr. Bowe at this home, but got no response. That's when officers say the employee called police.
A neighbor, who had a key to Dr. Bowe's home, let officers inside where they found his body inside a car in his garage.
CMS Interim Superintendent, Hugh Hattabaugh, called Dr. Bowe's death a tragic loss - saying the school system was very saddened that Bowe had died.
"Mr. Bowe had been at Northwest School of the Arts since 2008 and was cherished by the students, staff and families at the school," the school district said in a statement on Tuesday. "All of us at CMS are mourning the loss of a valued educator, colleague and friend. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and friends."
An automated message was sent out to the student body of Northwest School of the Arts late Monday night, informing them of the news.
Tuesday about 70 counselors were at the school helping students and staff get through this tough time. Students say what they heard helped.
Related article: Interim principal named at NWSA
"They said just to accept it," Student Caityln Thomas said. "Accept that he would want you to be happy."
School officials told WBTV that an investigation was underway into the way school officials handled problems at a school dance last month.
During that December dance at Northwest School of the Arts there was reportedly a ruckus and a gun was found at the school during the event. Some parents thought CMS was using that episode as a way to oust Bowe.
"I would certainly hope not," Parent Lisa Muller said. "Because he was such a wonderful educator and a wonderful man and he did wonders for this school."
CMS says this is a personnel matter and couldn't say much but the district did say Bowe was not being forced to resign.
School officials also told WBTV that Dr. Bowe was a part of that investigation, which is still ongoing.
A Northwest School of the Arts teacher, who was also part of the investigation, resigned a couple weeks ago, WBTV learned on Wednesday.
WBTV has learned that Dr. Bowe took a "personal day" of leave from his position on Friday, but was still employed with the school on Monday.
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