Westlake High School Principal, Wife Drown In Puerto Rico

ATLANTA – Westlake High School Principal Jamar Robinson and his wife AnnMari died after they drowned during a trip to Puerto Rico, school officials confirmed Wednesday.

The couple were in the water when AnnMari began struggling in a whirlpool, according to a Puerto Rico news report. Jamar went to her aid and they both went under, according to the report.

"Robinson was an inspirational leader who brought joy with his passion for education and his students," a Fulton County School spokesperson said Wednesday. "We join the community in remembering him and expressing condolences to his family."

Robinson, an Atlanta native, had been principal at Westlake High School since 2018, school officials said. He was a student in Fulton County and graduated from SouthWest DeKalb High School, according to the school's website.

He began his career at a ninth grade English teacher in DeKalb County, then joined Fulton County schools as an administrator at Westlake High School.

"As we grapple with this tragic news, our district is united to honor the life and legacy of Jamar Robinson and his beautiful wife, AnnMari," Fulton County Schools Superintendent Mike Looney said in a statement.

School leadership and support staff are at the school to offer support to students, teachers and staff, and support is also being provided remotely to students, school officials said.

Tuesday night, Westlake football coach Bobby May posted a message on Twitter, sharing condolences for the Robinson family.

"We will always remember Mr. Robinson as the Principal who worked tirelessly, was always upbeat, passionate, never missed a game or event and LOVED his students with a heart that was unmatched," May wrote in the tweet. "His vision was to inspire and motivate – this is something we can all look to do for each other to honor his legacy."

School community members have taken to social media to share their condolences and remember the impact Robinson had on their lives.