Maura Diaz, 58, changed her profile photo early Wednesday to a meme about death a short time before a law enforcement source told Daily Voice that her body was found in a closet.
“La muerte es una vida vivida," reads a quote from legendary Argentinian author Jorge Luis Borges in the meme. "La vida es una muerte que viene.”
Translated into English: “Death is a life lived. Life is a death that comes."
Diaz, who'd been despondent over a relationship, also failed to attend a security guard meeting with colleagues from other schools, including her sister, a district source told Daily Voice.
Her body was found around 11 a.m., authorities said.
"I have known Ms. Diaz and her family for over 20 years," Mayor Brian Stack said Wednesday afternoon. "She is a dear friend and I am deeply saddened to learn of her passing.
Diaz, who worked for the district for 20 years, "was a wonderful employee," Schools Silvia Abbato said in a statement. "Our hearts are heavy today as we try to make sense of this loss."
Counselors will be available Thursday for students and staff, she said.
City detectives were at the school amid a heavy uniformed police presence. The Hudson County Prosecutor's Office was notified.
"Union City is a tight-knit community and when one of us is in pain, we all feel it," Stack said in a statement. "As we enter a new school year, this is a jarring reminder to take care and comfort each other.”
CHECK BACK FOR MORE DETAILS
Click here to follow Daily Voice Elizabeth and receive free news updates.