Passaic Prosecutor Investigating Pompton Lakes Teacher's Death

POMPTON LAKES, NJ — The Passaic County Prosecutor's Office is investigating after a teacher was found dead inside Pompton Lakes High School Friday night. His death is believed to be a suicide.

Pompton Lakes Police discovered the body of Patrick Moccia, 47, at 9:04 p.m. after they were called to the high school to perform a "wellness check," authorities said.

The Prosecutor's Office believes the cause of death is suicide, but an autopsy will be conducted by the New Jersey Medical Examiner's Office "at a later date."

Pompton Lakes councilwoman Jennifer Polidori called Moccia's death a "sad and tragic loss" for the community.

Northjersey.com reports that Moccia, of Doylestown, Pennsylvania, is survived by his wife, two children and two step-children. He was hired in September to teach woodshop after the previous teacher died from COVID-19 complications, Northjersey reported.

The Prosecutor's Office asks anyone with additional information to contact the office's tipline, 1-877-370-PCPO or tips@passaiccountynj.org, or Sgt. Daniel Cottrell at the Pompton Lakes Police Department, 973-835-0400.

The investigation is ongoing.