“Tragedy has struck the
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That was the announcement
made by Douglas Unified
School District Superintendent
Bonnie Lopez to
students when she announced
Douglas’ Athletic
Director Dan Bates was
found dead in his home early
Wednesday morning,
February 16.
Bates’ body was reportedly
found in his home after he
failed to answer the door after
an attempt by a district
employee to deliver a letter.
It is reported that he died on
Tuesday.
The exact cause of death
has not yet been revealed.
The Douglas Police have not
released any information
about Bates’ death since his
body was found.
Bates became Douglas’
Athletic Director this past
summer replacing Randy
Walker. Several weeks ago
he was placed on paid administrative
leave after failing
to meet the terms of his
contract, according to
school officials.
He was reassigned to his
home and scheduled to have
his status discussed at the
February meeting.
At a school board meeting
Tuesday night, the Board
approved a settlement
agreement that Bates had already
reviewed, according
to District Superintendent
Sheila Rogers.
Douglas High School students
were released just prior
to noon, Wednesday,
about a half hour after Lopez
made the formal announcement
of Bates’ death over
the intercom.
Rogers said counselors
are working on plans to assist
students in coping with
the tragedy.
Lopez announcement
said “We have suffered a
loss. Mr. Daniel Bates has
died. Keep Mr. Bates and his
family in your prayers. We
ask for a moment of silence
in honor of Mr. Bates passing.”
It was later announced
that grief counseling was
available later that day.
Many students showed up
in black clothing on Thursday.
. Many were still in shock and kept asking questions about how
he died.
It was asked Thursday that all students
sign posters along a main hallway. The
posters then would be taken to the Friday
memorial.
Bates background
Dan Bates arrived at Douglas High School
five years ago from Colorado. He moved to
the position of Athletic Director over the
summer after serving as assistant principal
for the high school.
He was also heavily involved in a charitable
program called the Starfish Difference.
He served as president of that student organization
for three years prior to his death
Comments
Annonymous wrote on Jun 21, 2011 10:51 PM:
Pam Yarwood wrote on Mar 7, 2011 9:59 PM:
With much love,
Pam Yarwood "
Be Truthful always wrote on Mar 4, 2011 2:32 PM:
When you build a life living in a glass house of deception and deceit and disregard for moral conduct. These glass house's will always fall down.
And suicide will never hide the truth of your wrong doing, only spare the pain of getting caught and being embarrassed. I pray for your soul and for GODS forgiveness for you. every sinner needs forgiveness "
Tabitha wrote on Mar 2, 2011 10:27 AM:
Kaleigh Niece wrote on Feb 28, 2011 11:19 AM:
Hes Gone wrote on Feb 27, 2011 6:22 PM:
To Regina wrote on Feb 26, 2011 5:06 PM:
Regina Rios wrote on Feb 25, 2011 9:37 AM:
heres a poem tht i had found
God saw you getting tired
and a cure was not to be
so he put his arms around you
and whispered,
"Come to Me"
With tearful eyes we watched you
and saw you pass away
and although we love you dearly
we could not make you stay.
A Golden heart stopped beating
hard working hands at rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes the best "
Joey brother wrote on Feb 25, 2011 8:44 AM:
Missed wrote on Feb 24, 2011 11:20 PM:
Stacy Jackie Hernandez wrote on Feb 24, 2011 12:17 PM:
you will ALWAYS be in our hearts always & forever..
Stacy & Jackie "
A Bulldog wrote on Feb 23, 2011 5:36 PM:
Correcton-- Mrs Lopez is ASSISTANT superintendent.
It was confirm on chan 13 it was a suicidal. This is a tragic loss for the family. He was doing a good deed for the people in need and hope it continues in his memory. It should be rename "Bates Starfish Difference" "