ASCENSION PARISH, Louisiana (WAFB) – Classes at Ascension Christian High School were canceled Wednesday as students and staff mourned the unexpected loss of their beloved principal.

Campus administrator Dustin Bagwell, 50, died late Tuesday night, Aug. 27, at his home in Gonzales, presumably from health problems, investigators said.

Former LSU quarterback Rohan Davey, the head coach of the school’s football team, said the news broke his heart.

“I want to express my deepest condolences to Dustin Bagwell’s wife, children, family and close friends,” Davey said. “Dustin Bagwell is the main reason I am at Ascension Christian High School. Today is a sad day, but we know he is resting in heaven.”

The school is part of Ascension Christian, a non-denominational preschool-12th school under the leadership of the Household of Faith Church. It is located on EA Academy Road in Gonzales.

Reyna Jones Pellegrin, a third-grade teacher at the elementary school, called Bagwell a “fearless leader.”

“One thing I will always admire about Mr. Dustin Bagwell is his heart for ensuring that every student comes to know Jesus,” she said. “Pray for our administration and staff as they go through the grief of this immense loss.”

Dr. Edith M. Walker, superintendent of Ascension Parish Schools, said Bagwell had a profound impact on education.

“It is with profound sadness that we learn of the passing of Mr. Dustin Bagwell, Campus Administrator of Ascension Christian High School,” Walker said. “Although Mr. Bagwell was not a part of our school system, his impact on the education and lives of students, teachers and families in our community was profound. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the Ascension Christian community and Mr. Bagwell’s family and friends during this difficult time. We stand together and mourn this significant loss to our educational community.”

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