SAN DIEGO –A Cathedral Catholic High School teacher and coach was shot to death on Monday morning in a local neighborhood. Classes were cancelled for three days out of respect for his memory.
“This morning, the San Diego Police Department informed us that one of our teachers, Mario Fierro, was found dead in a suspected homicide,” a spokesman for the San Diego Catholic Diocese announced. “Everyone in our school community mourns his loss. Mario was young, vibrant and full of life. All of us loved him. “
Fierro was 37 years old. CCHS not only was his workplace, but he was a graduate, in 2002, of the school when it was called University High School. He started working as a social science teacher at CCHS in 2016. He also served as the JV football coach and special teams coach for the varsity team. In addition, he was the athletic director for Notre Dame Academy.
“He was a gifted teacher and a great human being,” said the spokesman, Kevin Eckery.
“Obviously, this is a shock. Out of respect to Mario’s memory, all classes, in person and on-line, are canceled until Thursday.”
Grief counseling will be available for students, faculty and staff when they return, he said.
On Monday night, students, parents and staff members from CCHS gathered at St. Therese of Carmel parish for a prayer vigil for the fallen teacher.
The spokesman said that because a suspect in Fierro’s killing is at large, additional security will be posted on campus and police will be stepping up patrols in the area.
“Please remember Mario and his family in your prayers,” he said.
