by Tim Wetzel
MT. JULIET, Tenn. – An assistant school principal at a Wilson County elementary school was found dead in his home Thursday night. The man was under investigation for sexual misconduct.
Officials said Nick Nance died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Nance had been an administrator at Stoner Creek Elementary School in Mt. Juliet for the past three years. His body was found Thursday night in his home on Eagle Trace Drive.
Mt. Juliet Police were called to Nance's home after the assistant principal sent an alarming text message to someone who worked for the police department.
When officers opened the door to his home, they heard the fatal shot.
The Stoner Creek Assistant Principal was under investigation by the Wilson County Sheriff's Office over allegations made by at least 2 females.
The details of the investigation have not been made public, but the Wilson County Sheriff told us these were just allegations, regarding alleged incidents that are said to have happened years ago.
The Wilson County School Board was made aware of the nearly 3-month-old investigation, but the school board told us, the Sheriff's Office said there was no need for the board to take any action at that time.
A 19-year-old woman contacted NewsChannel 5 to say she was abused by Nance when she was in the 3rd grade.
School officials said Wilson County investigators informed them of the allegations several days ago but they allowed Nance to keep coming to work. He was at the school on Thursday, hours before his death.
Officials said grief counselors would be available at the school to help students and staff members.
Members of the Stoner Creek community said they were saddened by Nance's death and shocked by the allegations.
"He's a great man. My kids love him and I love him," said parent Lynn Ferguson. "I don't understand – none of us do. It's very confusing. We have a lot of questions."
School leaders said there were no prior complaints about Nance.
An online biography on the school's website said he had been an educator for at least 13 years. He also worked at schools in Rutherford County and Williamson County.
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