Exeter-West Greenwich mourns sudden loss of Spanish teacher

Exeter-West Greenwich mourns sudden loss of Spanish teacher

by:

WEST GREENWICH, R.I. (WPRI) — An Exeter-West Greenwich High School teacher has passed away suddenly, 12 News has learned.

ORIGINAL NOTE: https://www.wpri.com/news/local-news/west-bay/exeter-west-greenwich-mourns-sudden-loss-of-spanish-teacher/

Lee Stetson was a Spanish teacher and a basketball coach at the high school. His cause of death has not been made public.

Exeter-West Greenwich School Committee member Justin Lake, who had Stetson as a teacher when he was in high school, described him as a great guy who cared for his students.

“It really hits home,” Lake said. “He went above and beyond and was very helpful to all of his students.”

Lee Stetson (Courtesy: Nick Dubois)

Lake said the Exeter-West Greenwich School Committee had a moment of silence for Stetson Tuesday night prior to the start of their meeting.

“Exeter-West Greenwich has 1,600 students throughout the entire district,” he continued. “It’s a tight-knit community … so any loss is going to be a tough battle.”

The West Greenwich Police Department said Stetson was “one-of-a-kind” and had a heart of gold.

“He was a true community leader, advocating for his students, coaching basketball and participating in numerous extra curricular activities,” the police department wrote in a social media post.

Nick Dubois, another one of Stetson’s former students, told 12 News he had a long-lasting impact on him and was one of his favorite teachers.

“He brought humor and energy to each class every day,” Dubois said. “I’m grateful I got to learn and have a good laugh with him.”

Grief counselors and support staff are available to students and teachers in the district who are struggling with the sudden loss.