Father John Payne, the principal of D.C.'s Duke Ellington School of the Arts, died overnight of an apparent heart attack.
An Augustinian Friar and native Washingtonian, Payne began his work at Duke Ellington in 1995 as the school's director of the He Rose Project, according to a biography posted on the school's website. He was later named the Dean of Students and the Director of Student Affairs.
He became the head of the school in August after the departure of Rory Pullens.
Payne was described by the president of the school's board of directors as a " brilliant, loving and courageous man who had a passion for helping children."
As news of his sudden death spread, heartbroken students and alumni took to social media sites to share their memories of Payne.
Heartbroken over passing of @DukeEllingtonDC's John Payne. A great guy who served the school and city with distinction. #DCPS #DC #DESA — Troy Donté Prestwood (@TroyDonte) October 10, 2014
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It is rare to find someone who truly cares about everyone, even those who take them for granted. Father John Payne did that. — VirgOshun (@CakeLikeYana) October 10, 2014
Kaya Henderson, the chancellor of D.C. Public Schools, praised Payne's dedication to his students and his "commitment as a champion of the arts and education."
"Father Payne insisted upon excellence for his students and was a stalwart believer in possibility and tradition," Henderson added in a statement released Friday.
Grief counselors will be available for Duke Ellington students and faculty members Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the school's Meyer campus at 2501 11th Street NW.
