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‘It tears my heart up’: Friends remember Salisbury teacher who died from COVID-19

SALISBURY, N.C. — The Salisbury community is mourning the death of one of its teachers.

“On the day that he passed, I had a text from him, seeing how I was feeling and how the kids were feeling. That’s how unselfish he was and put everybody above himself,” Justin Pauley told Channel 9.

A selfless, caring and energetic father, husband, teacher and coach -- that’s how loved ones described Matthew Beaver.

“He was an unbelievable Christian. No malice in his heart,” James Phillips said.

To Pauley and Phillips, Beaver was like a brother. The three of them have worked side by side at Knox Middle School for years.

“Great with the kids -- his kids and students. He affected so many people in a positive manner, made me a better teacher,” Phillips said.

“He would get to work early. He would never miss. He’d put everybody above himself. His wife, his kids, he bragged about, loved them, talked about them constantly,” Pauley shared.

They said they suddenly lost their healthy, 40-year-old friend to COVID-19.

“He’s got a beautiful wife and great kids, wonderful parents, and it tears my heart up for them,” said Pauley.

Beaver leaves behind a wife and two children, ages 5 and 3.

Pauley and Phillips said they’re trying to raise money to help support the family moving forward. Click here for their GoFundMe page.

“The mortgage, the bills, food and tuition even. We want to help out Matt wherever we can because he was a giving person,” Phillips said.

The school district could not comment on the cause of death, but shared the following statement:

“It is with great sadness that we learned of the passing of one of our educators, Mr. Matthew Beaver. Mr. Beaver was a PE teacher and coach at Knox Middle School since 2007. Rowan-Salisbury Schools extends its sincerest condolences to the Beaver family and Knox Middle School staff and students. Mr. Beaver will truly be missed by his school family. Counselors will be available throughout the week and next week for students and staff who need support during this difficult time. Out of respect for Mr. Beaver’s passing, today, January 21, 2021 will be a remote learning day for Knox Middle School.”