(SMYRNA, TN)  A Stewarts Creek High School coach was found unresponsive Sunday afternoon (1/16/2022). When Smyrna Police arrived around 2:38PM, they discovered the man lying in the parking lot.

He was identified as weight-lifting coach and physical education teacher Maurice Grooms.

Rutherford County Emergency Medical Services pronounced Mr. Grooms deceased at the scene where he was found near his car in the school’s parking lot. 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.

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

Stewarts Creek High Principal Dr. Clark Harrell noted, "Mr. 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."

“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.”

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