Beloved Boulder HS Teacher Battled With Depression, Family Says

BOULDER, CO – A 32-year-old Boulder High School history teacher whose body was found near the Boulder Flat Irons July 12 battled with depression, his family said Monday.

An official cause of death has not been released by the Boulder County Coroner's office. However, his family issued a statement saying:

"Jared died by suicide after losing a long battle with depression."

"Our family is devastated with sorrow as we try to cope with our sudden loss," the statement said. "We feel that it is very important at this time, however, to send out this message to everyone who has been touched by Jared's spirit and passion, both past and present. Please know that he was loved dearly by a large network of family, friends, colleagues, and students.

"We want to thank everyone for the massive outpouring of support. We also want everyone to know that we recognize you are sharing in our grief. Jared was truly a pillar in the Boulder community and all of us miss him very much. As we collectively try to come to terms with our feelings, please be proactive in caring for each other, and for yourself."

The family also shared a quote from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

“...[T]he suicide rate in the US has been steadily increasing for years. The more the public understands about suicide prevention, the more likely we’ll see the rate of suicide begin to decrease. Creating a culture open to talking about mental health and suicide prevention is critical. Making treatment truly accessible for all people is paramount.”

Found by hikers

The Boulder County coroner's office identified Gutierrez Friday as the man found by hikers early Thursday morning hear the first Flat Iron. An initial statement only identified Gutierrez, but did not specify a cause or manner of death. A spokesperson at the coroner's office told Patch toxicology reports could take six to eight weeks.

Boulder Valley School District released a letter to parents Friday. Principal James Hill said Gutierrez had taught at BHS for six years. He offered parents a link to an online practical guide to coping with grief.

Kala Gutierrez, Jared's sister, said family members had met with Gutierrez's colleagues and some students, who told them that Gutierrez was a well-respected teacher who "had literally changed the path of their lives, their college plans and other things," she said in an interview with Patch.

Recently the father of one of Gutierrez's former students had sponsored a GoFundMe campaign, raising more than $1,600 to "Get Mr. Gutierrez to DC." On the campaign site, which has now been shut down, father Greg Ekrem called Gutierrez an "incredible, supportive teacher" and referred to unspecified health and other hardships Gutierrez had been through recently. "[H]e has done his best to stay positive and to continue supporting all of his students through their struggles despite having so many himself," Ekrem wrote.

The family shared the obituary below:

Jared Nathan Gutierrez, 32

Jared was a man awed by the depth and complexity of the world, a world that weighed so heavily on his heart that it finally broke his spirit.

Jared Nathan Gutierrez, 32, of Boulder, CO, died July 11, 2018 after a long and difficult battle with depression. In happier times, Jared thrived on sharing his wisdom and laughter with his students, who could feel his passion for teaching social studies and AP U.S. History at Boulder High School. He transformed his students’ lives in a profound way, and his compassion and vibrancy radiated like no other. He inspired through kindness and understanding and cared very deeply about each and every student. When arriving for class, Jared would have them look out the window at the majestic Flatirons he loved so much. He recognized the importance and beauty of the mountains and didn’t want it taken for granted.

Some of Jared’s favorite things were soccer, snowboarding, golf, music, and travel to Europe as a chaperone for his students. His passionate spirit and unique perspective of the world enriched the lives of many friends, and his devotion to sharing casual, fun family time was just as important. Simply going on mountain treks and flying kites with his mom, brother, sister and long-time girlfriend-turned-wife would bring joy. Jared also developed an amazingly strong bond with his late Siberian cat, Jinx.

Jared is survived by his mother, Grace Karnowka; his father, Jerry (Debi) Gutierrez; his step-brother, Brock (Melissa) Wilson; his sister, Kala Gutierrez; his brother, Andrew Karnowka; and Lauren Grady, widow of their 12-year-long relationship and marriage.

Information about a celebration of Jared’s life to follow. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Humane Society of Boulder Valley or Wildlands Restoration Volunteers.

Image via Kala Gutierrez

Anyone struggling with mental health can get help by calling National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or visiting this website. In Colorado, you may call 1-844-493-TALK (8255).

Related: Boulder High School History Teacher, 32, Found Dead

Related: Suicide Prevention with Humor: Man Therapy Campaign

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