Beloved teacher found dead on trip to Mexico, Louisiana family says. ‘Beautiful soul’

A beloved Louisiana middle school teacher and two other people died while traveling in Mexico in October, according to family members.

Courtez Hall, who was a teacher at KIPP Morial Middle School in New Orleans, was found dead in Mexico City, according to Nola.com.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Department of State confirmed the deaths of the three U.S. citizens in Mexico, according to a statement sent to McClatchy News. The spokesperson did not release the identities of the other two people who died.

“We are closely monitoring local authorities’ investigation into the cause of death,” the statement says. “We stand ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance. Out of respect for the privacy of the families, we have nothing further to add at this time.”

Hall’s mother received a call from the U.S. Embassy on Oct. 31 informing her that her son had been found dead along with two other people inside a vacation rental in Mexico City, according to WDSU.

The U.S. Embassy in Mexico City did not respond to a request for comment from McClatchy News.

Family members remembered Hall on social media as a kind person with a positive spirit.

“He had a beautiful smile and would always have kind things to say,” Lyntrell Marshall wrote in a comment on Facebook.

In a statement, KIPP Morial Middle School principal Deanna Reddick wrote that Hall was a seventh grade history teacher at the school, which serves grades 5 through 8.

“This was Mr. Hall’s first year teaching at KIPP Morial Middle School, and he quickly made a meaningful impact on our students,” the statement says. “He was a bright light that helped our students shine in and out of the classroom. Our school community is heartbroken, and his family has our deepest sympathy, prayers, and condolences.”

In a GoFundMe organized by Hall’s family, family members wrote that they were seeking to raise funds to help with the expense of shipping his body back to the U.S. from Mexico, “as well as funeral expenses once he’s returned home.”

Hall’s mother could not be reached for comment.

In addition to the pain of losing a loved one, friends and family members said on Facebook that they are struggling with the lack of information surrounding his death.

“The fact that his mom is having a hard time receiving any info on what happened to him and getting his remains back home for a proper burial hurts the most!” Chelsea Daisy Jackson wrote on Facebook. “Such a great man. He put out so much good energy in the world. (I don’t know) why him of all people.”

This story was originally published November 7, 2022 at 2:12 PM with the headline "Beloved teacher found dead on trip to Mexico, Louisiana family says. ‘Beautiful soul’."