LEXINGTON, Ky. — Students and staff are mourning the loss of one of their own at Lexington’s Paul Laurence Dunbar High School. 

Lisa Deffendall, the spokesperson for Fayette County Public Schools, said they are grieving after the death of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School’s athletic director Jason Howell, who died earlier this week. 

“When one of our schools is hurting, the impact is felt districtwide,” Deffendall said in the statement. 

Fayette County Corner Gary Ginn confirmed to Spectrum News they are investigating his death as a suicide because Howell “died by a self-inflicted wound” 

The school’s principal, Marlon Ball, has been placed on administrative leave. 

“We are aware of the concerns raised by members of the Dunbar staff. Reports of this nature are taken seriously and will be fully investigated,” Deffendall said in the statement. “Per our normal human resources procedures, Dunbar Principal Marlon Ball has been placed on administrative leave. As with any personnel matter, we are unable to comment further.”

The district did not elaborate on what the concerns raised by Dunbar staff are. 

A native of Tampa, Florida, Principal Ball started at Dunbar just four months ago in July. Prior to working in FCPS, Ball worked in education for 13 years.

Melissa Rife, a parent on the Dunbar’s school-based decision-making council, says she learned of the district’s decision to place Ball on leave through the media. She adds the SBDM council was not and has not been provided any additional information regarding this action.

Rife said their personal experiences with Ball have been positive, and the Howell family has her heartfelt sympathies. 

Assistant Principal Andrea Tinsley is now the acting principal at Dunbar. 

Many online have shared their grief about Howell’s passing, including Kentucky High School Athletic Association Commissioner Julian Tackett. 

“Jason emulated what our office hopes for from leaders in his role,” Tackett said. “We are saddened by his sudden and unexpected passing.”

Catherine Kurtz, who has a daughter who currently attends Dunbar, says they were saddened by the news of Howell’s passing. Kurtz has worked in the medical field for 13 years and hopes this situation opens up the conversation about mental health. 

“Being in the medical field for as long as I have been and also experiencing mental health issues of my own, it hits near and dear to me and it’s a big deal, it really is and I don’t think people take it as seriously as they should and it’s just unfortunate because you feel like some of those things could be prevented,” Kurtz said. 

Funeral arrangements for Jason Howell will take place next week. There will be a visitation at the Kerr Brothers Funeral Home in Lexington next Tuesday from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and another next Saturday night from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the JW Call Funeral Home in Pikeville.