PHOENIX - An East Valley high school teacher has died from swine flu, according to the Higley Unified School District.
Higley High Principal Larry Rother said 51-year-old Gail Marie Stapleton passed away on Friday.
Her death was "as a result of respiratory complications associated with asthma and the H1N1 influenza," Rother said.
"I was shocked," said Tony Malaj, spokesperson for Higley Unified School District.
The English teacher taught at both Higley High School and Williams Field High School in Gilbert.
Stapleton suffered from asthma, putting her in a high risk category for the swine flu. She had been on medical leave since September 30.
"The Higley High School and Williams Field High School crisis teams have implemented a support plan for students and teachers," Rother said. "Trained staff will be available throughout next week. Members of both schools’ counseling teams will also be available at their respective locations tomorrow morning from 10:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m."
The death has made some students fearful.
"We're scared because she died of the swine flu and it's contagious," said Higley High School student, Madison.
Other students also expressed their emotions about the teacher's unexpected passing.
"Its sad. She was a fun teacher," said a Higley High School junior.
An obituary on legacy.com said Stapleton is survived by her husband Tim Jensen, her children Joshua (Tammy) Grueneberg and Jaimie Grueneberg, mother Connie Meyerring, brother James Doucette, and two grandchildren.
The family is planning a burial on November 9, in Wisconsin, and is asking that people donate to their favorite charities in Stapleton's name instead of sending the family flowers.
Friends, family and well-wishers have started to post memories of Stapleton on the legacy.com online guest book.
"She was hard working and genuine to everybody. My heart goes out to her entire family - bless you all," one person wrote.
"My family did not know Mrs. Stapleton, we received a notification from HUSD about the tragic news and wanted to send heartfelt condolences," another added.
Families with questions or concerns can call the Higley High counseling office at 480-279-7323, or the Williams Field High counseling office at 480-279-8018.
