Officials: Teacher Apparently Died from Self-Inflicted Wound

GILMER — Officials say it appears New Diana teacher David Gross, 37, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. According to a statement Wednesday from Upshur County Sheriff Anthony Betterton, “Based on the evidence at the scene, as well as the preliminary autopsy report, it appears Gross died as a result of a self-inflicted wound. No additional information will be released at this time.” The funeral for Gross, of Union Grove, was Tuesday morning at Norton Lovell Auditorium at New Diana High School, where Gross had taught agriculture science for more than six years. He also represented East Texas as a board member of the Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association of Texas.

According to KETK, Gross was pronounced dead Friday afternoon. Betterton said an autopsy was ordered from the Southwest Institute of Forensic Science in Dallas. Deputies arrived at Gross’ home on a private road off Union Grove Road in response to a call received by sheriff’s dispatch about 2:40 Friday. Betterton requested that the Texas Rangers and Gregg County sheriff’s officials conduct the investigation.