Gretchen Krohnfeldt: 5 Fast Facts You Need to Know

Gretchen Krohnfelt

Gretchen Krohnfeldt. (Twitter)

A married teacher committed suicide after allegations arose that she had a “physical relationship” with a student.

Gretchen Krohnfeldt, 47, was a long-time teacher at Drake Middle School in Arvada, Colorado.

It’s the latest in a series of nation-wide cases of teachers being accused of having sexual relationships with students.

Here’s what you need to know:


1. Krohnfeldt Shot Herself as Police Approached Her Home

Police were on the way to Krohnfeldt’s home when she committed suicide.

According to CBS, “Police sources say Krohnfeldt took her life as police officers were approaching her Arvada home to question her in the investigation.”

UK Daily Mail reports that a law enforcement official witnessed the suicide.

One girl wrote on Facebook as news spread, “No omgeeee my favorite teacher at Arvada Middle this makes me sad:(”


2. The Teacher Was Accused of Having a Relationship With a Middle School Student

Authorities first learned of the allegations on May 9, according to CBS.

The Sheriff’s Department “was made aware of a possible inappropriate relationship between a female employee at the school, later identified as Krohnfeldt, and a male student,” reported CBS.

The network added that “the allegations were that the relationship began when the student attended Drake Middle School.That student is now a high school student in Arvada.”

Details of the alleged relationship have not been revealed by authorities.


3. Krohnfeldt Was on Leave From the Middle School

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According to 9 News, the allegations surfaced when “the school resource officer was told that the suspected relationship began when the student attended Drake Middle School.”

In a statement, Jefferson County Schools said it didn’t have many facts yet on the case.

“On Monday, May 8, a school staff member reported a possible relationship between one Jeffco student and a teacher at Drake Middle School,” the statement read.

“The principal immediately called law enforcement and school district personnel. The teacher was immediately placed on administrative leave. We were informed that on Tuesday, May 9, the teacher passed away.”


4. Krohnfeldt Had Three Children & Some Students Regarded Her as Their Favorite Teacher

According to 9 News, Krohnfeldt left behind three children.

The UK Daily Mail reports that she was also married. Her husband’s Facebook page says he works in management at UPS.

The Arvada Press reported that the middle school principal took down Krohnfeldt’s teacher page on the school website after she died because “it displayed personal family information including a photograph of her children.”

According to CBS Denver, “sources say the alleged relations” between the teacher and middle school student “took place at Krohnfeldt’s Arvada home.”

A former student wrote on Facebook, “Super sad :( she left 3 kids behind I just seen her about a year ago with her family.” Another student responded, “I can’t believe it either. She was one of my favorite 7th grade teachers.” The first student replied, “super said we all loved her as a teacher she was so energetic I can’t believe she left behind 3 kid.”


5. Krohnfeldt Was a Teacher for 24 Years Who Taught Social Studies & English Throughout the Years

9News reports that Krohnfeldt was born and raised in Arvada, Colorado.

She had “been teaching in Jefferson County since 1993. She’s taught social studies, English language arts, as well as reading intervention,” the television station reported.

According to UK Daily Mail, she was currently an 8th grade social studies teacher.

The school sent a letter home to parents that said in part, “I have some tragic news to share with the Drake community. One of our 8th grade teachers, Gretchen Krohnfeldt, has suddenly passed away. Our hearts go out to her family at this painful time, and I know many will feel this loss deeply.”