DES MOINES, Iowa – The Des Moines Public School District is mourning the loss of a beloved teacher, Patrick Brennan. 

He was 40 years old.

Brennan taught social studies at Merrill Middle School. In May, he was honored with the Golden Apple award for teaching excellence.

The students he cared for and inspired are struggling with his loss.

“I think every single student he had, had some sort of connection,” Payton Rayburn, a former student, said. “And I think that’s also what made him a good teacher. And I don’t think we said that last time we were with you. He has connections with all of his students. He made sure to value everyone’s opinion no matter what.”

“He changed me as a person,” Jersey Durham, another former student, said. “He had a big influence on my life and I think why his passing was so hard for me is because he was a big part of my life. He was an amazing, like a good person to look up to.”

A celebration of life ceremony will take place on Sunday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. at Merrill Middle School.

Visitors are asked to bring their favorite mug and wear skinny jeans, Converse shoes, or Raybans sunglasses in honor of Brennan. Current and former students are also asked to bring a letter sharing how Brennan impacted their lives.

Brennan’s family did not release the cause of death, but his obituary reads: “If you are struggling with your mental health or feeling lost and alone, please reach out to someone and ask for help. Just like Mr. Brennan, you are loved, and the world needs you.”

One place to turn is the National Crisis Lifeline. Simply call or text 988. The hotline is available 24/7.