Former Nicolet teacher accused of sexually abusing student found dead

WAUPACA, Wis. (CBS 58) -- Shortly after noon on Wednesday Waupaca Police responded to Park Vista Retirement Living for a man that hung himself in the attached garage.

When officers arrived they found a man with a rope around his neck.

The man has been identified as 81-year-old David Johnson.

Johnson is a former Nicolet High School teacher who has been accused of sexually abusing a student in the 1980s. He was a teacher at Nicolet from 1958 to 1991.

Nicolet High School Board of Education President Libby Gutterman released a new statement to CBS 58 Thursday, writing "All of us in the Nicolet community are deeply saddened by the revelations and events of the past week.

Our hearts and prayers go out to the victims and their families. We pledge to continue our efforts to reach out to them and find them help.

We will also review and reinforce our efforts to protect current students and make sure everyone in the Nicolet family knows how to follow through on our commitment to protect the health and safety of all students.

In this time of compassion, reflection and action, it is important that we stay close and committed to helping those in need."