DES MOINES, Iowa – A Merrill Middle School teacher and recent recipient of the Golden Apple Award, Patrick Brennan, unexpectedly passed away.

No official cause of death has been released at this time.

A message sent to families from Merrill Middle School principal Kathryn Panek reads, in part: 

“Patrick Brennan, a well-loved teacher at Merrill, has died. We don’t have many details right now, but we know this is difficult to hear for many students and may bring up a lot of emotions. We are sharing with students that it’s important that we take care of ourselves and each other today. Counselors and members of the district’s grief response team are available in the library for any student who would like to talk or just needs a quiet space to be with others.” 

Brennan received the Golden Apple award back in May for how he was using history lessons to help students become better citizens for the future.

“I ask the questions, the students determine how they feel about things,” Brennan said, “and they’re the ones who change the world. You know, they’re the future.”

It’s that teaching philosophy that made several students nominate Brennan for the award last spring.

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help support Brennan’s family. He is survived by his wife, who is another teacher in the district, and their two kids.

Roosevelt High School principal Mindy Euken sent this message to families:

“It is with great sadness that I share with you all the passing of Merrill teacher, Mr. Patrick Brennan.  Many of our students who attended Merrill know and love Mr. Brennan, his wife Mrs. Stephanie Brennan, who is a beloved teacher right here at Roosevelt, and their family.  We send our sincerest condolences to Mrs. Brennan and her family and to the entire Roosevelt, Merrill, and Hanawalt feeder pattern community.  

We have been offering Roosevelt students and staff grief counseling and spaces here at school to process provided through our counseling office today at Roosevelt and will continue to monitor student and staff well-being closely.  Students, you are always welcome and encouraged to go to the counseling office when needing support.  Please reach out and use available resources during this difficult time.  We are here for you and care about each and every one of you deeply.”

Watch the full interview after Mr. Brennan won the Golden Apple below.