On Sunday afternoon, January 16, Smyrna Police Department personnel were dispatched to Stewarts Creek High School in response to a call regarding an unresponsive male, according to a joint statement from SPD and Rutherford County Schools. 

Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services personnel arrived around, 2:40 p.m. and pronounced weight-lifting coach and physical education teacher Maurice Grooms deceased at the scene. He was found near his car in the school’s parking lot.

“I am saddened by the passing of one of our employees,” Director of Schools Bill Spurlock said. “My thoughts and prayers are with his family.”

Grooms became a faculty member at the school in August. He would sometimes exercise in the weight room at the school, which is the presumed reason for him visiting the school Sunday, Stewarts Creek High Principal Dr. Clark Harrell said.

 The Rutherford County Medical Examiner’s Office is conducting a routine medical examination, but preliminary investigations indicate the death is the result of a medical incident.

Rutherford County Schools plans to have additional counselors at the school Tuesday to assist students and employees. 

“We are all shocked and saddened to learn of the passing of our well-loved teacher and coach Maurice Grooms,” Harrell said. “I know all of our staff, students and community will keep his family in their prayers.”