Popular teacher's life ends suddenly

EAST AURORA, N.Y. (WIVB) - In East Aurora, students gathered Monday night to remember a popular teacher, whose life came to a sudden end, leaving many asking what happened.

He was voted "the most popular teacher" by the class of 2009, now students are mourning his sudden death.

About 200 people banded together for a candle light vigil at East Aurora High School to remember 32-year-old Albert Raab.

"He is someone you can go to no matter if it's a problem about a class, or school, or a personal problem, he was always there for you. You could go in on a free period. He was just a great guy and was really passionate about what he did,” said East Aurora Class of '09 graduate Bridget McDonnell.

Raab taught history at East Aurora High School for at least seven years.

Early Monday morning he was found dead inside his home on Larned Lane after a standoff with Orchard Park Police. He had a rifle, and apparently took his own life.

Now, former students are trying to make sense of it all.

East Aurora Class of '09 graduate Kelsey Schnieder said, “He wasn't just a teacher in front of a classroom. He was someone that you saw him in the hallway, he said, 'hi' to you, he knew everyone’s names. He was always willing to talk to you about whatever, it didn't have to be about class. He was a big supporter of all the student athletes. He always came out to all the games,"

“He was just a great guy and a great teacher and we all just don't understand. So we all just want to come together and remember him for who he was,” said Hanna Bourque, graduate of East Aurora '09.

Neighbors say Raab leaves behind a wife and a small child. School officials are expected to make a statement on his death, Tuesday.