FORT MILL, S.C. — A week that is normally filled with anticipation for Fort Mill teachers has been overshadowed by the death of 31-year-old Rebecca New.
The beloved art teacher died early Sunday morning after falling from a dock on Lake Wylie.
Teachers at Gold Hill Elementary School don't have to report to school until Wednesday, but on Monday some went in carrying supplies to get ready for the upcoming year.
"You work with these people every single day, so to not see that person and expect that person to be there, it's a very emotional time," said Kelly McKinney, spokeswoman for Fort Mill Schools.
She said the school's principal and teachers did not want to go on camera because they are still too upset to talk about the loss.
Eyewitness News talked to McKinney shortly after she spoke to the school's principal Monday morning.
"She said Ms. New was an amazingly creative teacher, beloved by all students and staff alike and she will be missed," McKinney said.
According to a police report, New fell 17 feet from a dock at a house on Here at Last Lane in southwest Charlotte.
Police said she fell on some metal, but it's not clear what caused the accident.
McKinney said the school will have counselors on hand for teachers when they return Wednesday, and also for students when they return next week.
"We are a very close-knit family here in the Fort Mill school district, and of course on the school level," McKinney said.
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