Missing Schoolteacher Found Dead In Angeles National Forest

A missing schoolteacher from South Gate apparently committed suicide in the Angeles National Forest, it was reported today.

The body of Rigoberto Ruelas, 39, a teacher at Miramonte Elementary School, was last seen last Sunday dropping off a present for his sister’s birthday, according to the South Gate Police Department.

Ruelas notified the school he would need a substitute teacher assigned for his classes on Monday and Tuesday, but he did not show up to work on Wednesday and had not called in, police said. His family reported him missing that day.

Ruelas’ body was found about 9 a.m. in the forest, and it appeared he committed suicide, the coroner told ABC7.

Family members told the TV station that he scored low on a teacher rating report recently published by the Los Angeles Times, and that may have caused Ruelas to go missing.

He had been a teacher for 14 years, with near perfect attendance, the TV station reported.