Courtez Hall: Family seeks answers after New Orleans teacher and two others found dead in Mexico
MEXICO CITY: A New Orleans teacher and two others were found dead in an Airbnb while they were on vacation in Mexico City last weekend. Courtez Hall, 33, was a Social Science teacher at KIPP Morial Middle School. The cause of death is still unknown and his family, friends, and students are seeking answers for the sudden tragic loss, reported Nola.com.
Ceola Hall, Courtez's mother, received a call from US embassy informing the death of her son in an unknown incident. "My son was a joyous child," said Ceola Hall. "He loved me, he loved his family. He loved to make everyone laugh." He and his sisters were close, according to Ceola. They are said to have last spoken to him on Saturday after his journey to Mexico City with two companions.
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"It's been so hard," said Ceola. "We tried calling back over there for the funeral homes. Because of the language barrier and stuff you cannot get anything through or really understand." Ceola stated that she does not want anyone to go through a similar experience. "I would hate to see any parents go through what I went through with my son, I didn't expect to hear this about my son. No one expects that," said Ceola.
The US State Department on Friday said three US citizens died in the rental unit. "We are closely monitoring local authorities’ investigation into the cause of death," the State Department said. "We stand ready to provide all appropriate consular assistance. Out of respect for the privacy of the families, we have nothing further to add at this time."
Lee Smith, a long-time friend, told Nola.com that Hall moved from New Orleans to Atlanta in 2013 and then back to Louisiana in 2021 after his father died and enrolled as a teacher at KIPP Morial School this academic year. The loss of the beloved teacher has left both students and his colleagues heartbroken. KIPP Morial school principal Deanna Reddick said this was Hall’s first year at the school, according to WVUE.
In a statement released by the school, Principal Deanna Reddick said, “We are deeply saddened by the recent loss of our beloved 7th grade history teacher, Courtez Hall. This was Mr Hall’s first year teaching at KIPP Morial Middle School, and he quickly made a meaningful impact on our students. He was a bright light that helped our students shine in and out of the classroom. Our school community is heartbroken, and his family has our deepest sympathy, prayers, and condolences. School counselors are providing support to students and staff as they process this sad news, and we will cope with this grief together as a school family.”