OGDEN, Utah, July 12, 2018 (Gephardt Daily) — Friends and former students are mourning the loss of Brandon B. Larsen, who was found dead in Willard Bay after an apparent drowning.
Larsen’s body was found Tuesday after his car was left in a parking lot overnight and some of his belongings were found on the beach. His paddle board has not been found.
Larsen, 46, was a teacher for the Weber School District, which released a statement Wednesday on Facebook:
“We were informed this morning about the tragic death of one of our teachers, Brandon B. Larsen,” the statement says. “Brandon taught business at Sand Ridge Junior High School in Roy for 10 years, and then transferred to Weber Innovation High School in 2016 where he taught business and computer programming. He had been with the district for 11 years.
“Brandon was beloved by students and highly respected by his peers. Our condolences go out to his friends, family and loved ones.
“Events like these are often difficult to understand. Schools are in a way like one big family with teachers having a profound impact on children’s lives. The district is currently on summer break, but counselors are available at Sand Ridge and Weber Innovation for students and employees who may be having a hard time and need someone to talk to about Brandon’s passing.”
Tributes to Larsen poured in on the Weber School District Facebook page. Here are a few:
• “He was the person who convinced me to follow my dreams and told me to go to University of Utah to study game development. … He believed I could not only do it but convinced me that I had the talent for it. He believed unconditionally in his students and tried his hardest to remove barriers and help them succeed. The world has lost a great man, and even worse a great teacher.”
• “Tragic loss.”
• “Brandon was seriously the nicest guy and so talented musician!!! He will be so missed by so many.”
• “I worked with him at Sand Ridge! Great teacher! He will be missed!”
• “RIP. Mr Larsen u were awesome and will be missed.”
• He was such an amazing teacher and I hope he finds peace in heaven.
• “When I was a new teacher at Sand Ridge, Brandon always made me feel welcome. He was a very well liked teacher and was very respected.”
• “He was my favorite teacher! This breaks my heart. He was such a good person.”
• “He was the best teacher. My son wouldn’t have made it last year without him. He was the only one to offer solutions for my son. My thoughts and prayers go out (to) his family.”
• “One of the most caring teachers I ever had the pleasure of having. He will be missed.”
• “Rest In Peace, Mr. Larsen. You deserve it.”
