September 11, 2022

Late Friday afternoon, the Culpeper Police Department informed Fauquier County Public Schools that Daniel Garrison, a science teacher at Auburn Middle School since 2016, died in Culpeper.* Auburn Middle School notified its staff and families early Saturday morning, and school officials have made plans to support students and staff when classes resume on Monday.

"The well-being of our students and staff is our top priority," Auburn Principal Matt Yonkey said. "We will do everything we can to help them through this experience."

Yonkey and Auburn Assistant Principal Kim Holcomb invited Auburn staff to assemble at the school on Saturday evening “to lean on one another and learn plans to support students and staff.” Approximately 40 staff members attended in person and virtually. 

Along with the school’s counselors, a support team will be at Auburn on Monday, including FCPS school social workers, FCPS central office staff, and Auburn's very own therapy dogs -- Gus, Dude and Cleo.

Grief counselors from Rapidan Services will also be on hand to support AMS staff. Two deputies from the Fauquier County Sheriff's Office will be at the school to provide daily school security, allowing the school’s SRO to be available to students and staff.

Parents are encouraged to call the school (540-422-7410) if they feel their child needs special assistance or has difficulty coping with this loss. Those who request help will be put in touch with the caring and supportive counseling staff at AMS.

*The Culpeper Police Department is expected to release additional information.