Irvine teacher died of natural causes, autopsy finds
An autopsy Tuesday determined that an Irvine teacher who collapsed and died in his classroom suffered from cardiovascular disease, authorities said.
Students at Woodbridge High School found the teacher, Kent Bentley, during lunchtime Monday and alerted staff members, said Ian Hanigan, spokesman for the Irvine Unified School District.
"A staff member administered CPR," he said. "But despite their best efforts, he couldn't be revived."
According to the autopsy, Bentley died of natural causes, said Jim Amormino, spokesman for the Orange County Sheriff's Department.
Bentley, 46, taught English and coached wrestling at Woodbridge for 12 years. Additional counselors and psychologists were sent to the school to assist students and staff.
"Obviously, there are still a lot of questions right now," Hanigan said. "Our focus is on helping students and staff through the initial days."
Bentley is survived by his wife, Mary, and two daughters, Jill and Katie.
-- Alexandra Zavis
EDITOR'S PICKS:
"...died of natural causes..."
Thats what they said about Billy Mays for a couple of days...but that changed...
Posted by: TheBigPicture | September 21, 2010 at 04:34 PM
Very sad.
@ TheBigPicture
Why disrespect this man in death when there is no indication of drug use?
Posted by: All Hallows Eve | September 21, 2010 at 05:28 PM
@Hallowe'en
He's killing time between visits to porn sites.
Posted by: Willy Mays | September 21, 2010 at 11:03 PM
Come on, be a little more respectful.
Posted by: Jonathan Frisby | September 22, 2010 at 05:04 PM
Cardiovascular Disease is not natural, passing from old age is natural. You are what you eat, and don't say it's in the family..... we have been eating things we are not supposed to for generations.
Posted by: Rob | September 22, 2010 at 06:08 PM
46 is the height of your prime. Sad indeed. Sad for the survivors. They have my prayers.
Posted by: Rich Ziert | September 22, 2010 at 06:31 PM
I am getting out of the classroom soon-- the conditions there, student lack of motivation, parental neglect and administrative red-tape is making all sane teachers want to go -- before the stress causes the BIG ONE.
Posted by: NorthernCA Teacher | September 23, 2010 at 11:45 AM
I use to think "natural causes" was the cause of death when a person was very eldery, and the body just gave out so to speak..
How does a 46 year old die of natural causes?...
Posted by: Rick | September 24, 2010 at 08:42 AM
My cousin lived a great life and was a great man. That's all anyone needs to know. It's not always how long you live, it's how you lived. KJ lived his life to the fullest and he cared so much about his family, his students, and his wrestling team. He is in a lot of people's hearts and minds right now. He would want nothing more than for everyone to move forward and keep living life.
Posted by: c bentley | September 25, 2010 at 02:28 AM