Popular Hazel Park High School Teacher Dies Suddenly

HAZEL PARK, Mich. (WJBK) -- It was a very sad day Tuesday in Hazel Park as students and co-workers learned of the death of a popular high school teacher.

Pictures of Hazel Park High School teacher Jason Ford hitting the dance floor with his students tell you everything you need to know. He was loved and a phenomenal teacher, who doubled as the class clown.

"At the talent show, I think it was my freshman year, he said he was going to rap for us, so he started wrapping presents," said student Allison Alderton.

Tuesday, grief counselors spent the day at Hazel Park High School helping students deal with Ford's sudden death.

"In a few years, he wanted to go back to medical school to be a kidney doctor because he was going through kidney failure," Alderton explained.

As a graduate of Hazel Park High School, Ford have his students more than lessons in math. He gave them lessons in life.

"He'd tell me never back down. He'd tell me to face my fears. He taught me to go for what you believe in, to stand up for yourself. He just taught me a lot," said student Katlin Korecki.

"He would tell me all the time like you're worth everything your worth. Anything, you can do whatever you want with your life," said student Britney Schwartz.

"He told me he was going to help me get into MSU and that he was going to be there for me when I graduate, and now I'm going to get into MSU for him," said student Kimberly Korecki.

Students said this year has already been so tough on them. They've lost two students already, and now with the loss of one of their favorite teachers, they said they can't take any more heartbreak.