The Southern California teacher found hanging from her classroom ceiling knew the devastating effects of suicide after her own father took his life four years ago. Photography teacher Jillian Jacobson, 31, had spoken to students about the death of her father, Richard Prisbey, 55, and had even told one class of students a few weeks ago, that if they ever felt down to ask for help. The teacher, who was discovered at El Dorado High School in Placentia, California on Monday by her own students, also taught a week-long unit on depression for freshmen. Photography teacher Jillian Jacobson (left with a student), 31, had spoken to students about the death of her father, Richard Prisbey, 55, and had even told one class of students a few weeks ago, that if they ever felt down to ask for help . The Southern California teacher found hanging from her classroom ceiling knew the devastating effects of suicide after her own father took his life four years ago (Mrs Jacobson pictured left and right). Mrs Jacobson, who was discovered at El Dorado High School in Placentia, California, by her own students, also taught a week-long unit on depression for freshmen . On Monday evening, 500 students gathered outside the school's gate, lighting candles and leaving written tributes (above) for their teacher, and the following day, the candles remained at the site with a few still burning . She emphasized that suicide was not the answer to anyone's problems and that it deeply affected many people. Mrs Jacobson's father went missing in 2011 after leaving his job and was found dead two days later with a bullet wound to his head in an isolated desert area. His death was ruled as a suicide, according to a coroner's report. Her students said her father's suicide clearly impacted troubled Mrs Jacobson, but she kept her composure and did not get emotional when she talked about it with her class. Her students said her father's suicide clearly impacted troubled Mrs Jacobson, but she kept her composure and did not get emotional when she talked about it with her class (above student CJ Holton places her candle during a candlelight vigil for the popular teacher) Mrs Jacobson's father went missing after leaving his job and was found dead in 2011 with a bullet wound to his head in an isolated desert. His death was ruled as a suicide, according to a coroner's report (above students light their candles) Her shocking death stood in stark contrast to the teacher students said they knew, and described her as someone cheerful and trusted, who inspired in many a love of photography (Mrs Jacobson pictured right) No one could point to any recent warning signs that she was distressed, though one student noted that she lost a lot of weight. Her shocking death stood in stark contrast to the teacher students said they knew, and described her as someone cheerful and trusted, who inspired in many a love of photography. During students' first-period class on Tuesday, a school administrator delivered an announcement on the loudspeaker saying they would all miss Mrs Jacobson, and that they had to remain united. Several students said they were confused and did not know how to process the information, while others have not been able to stop replaying the events in their heads. On Monday evening, 500 students gathered outside the school's gate, lighting candles and leaving written tributes for their teacher, and the following day, the candles remained at the site with a few still burning. Alexandra Sanchez, 18, recalled how her classroom went numb when their teacher left the room and returned flustered, telling the class: 'Mrs Jacobson just hung herself.' Following the tragic event, many students have paid tribute to Mrs Jacobson on social media. One student wrote that Mrs Jacobson 'brought endless amounts of joy' into her life . Online records show that Mrs Jacobson was married and lived with her 34-year-old husband . 'It was silent,' she said. 'A shock and silence.' Online records show that Mrs Jacobson was married and lived with her 34-year-old husband. There is no word at this time on what  prompted the popular teacher to end her life, and police said no note was found at the scene, but Lt Eric Point said the preliminary investigation indicated suicide. Students have described the moment their teacher was found hanged in a locked classroom as they arrived for school. They said they were caught off-guard when the students, who discovered  well-liked Mrs Jacobson, burst into their classroom clearly distressed. Students said they were shocked to learn of their teacher's death. There is no word at this time on what prompted the popular teacher to end her life, and police said no note was found at the scene, but Lt Eric Point said the preliminary investigation indicated suicide . One student recalled how her classroom went numb when their teacher left the room and returned flustered, telling the class: 'Mrs Jacobson just hung herself' (above El Dorado High School) One sophomore, named only as Holly, told the Orange County Register: 'I was in the class next door when I saw her students run out of the room with pale faces. 'Then teachers were running, then firefighters.' Freshman Tessa Hoover, who was in the classroom next door, added: 'We didn't know what was happening. 'Our teacher ran out of our class, then into the room next door. Then she started screaming. 'Right away we knew something really horrible had happened.' Assistant Superintendent Candy Plahy said the students who saw the hanging scene are being closely monitored and provided special counseling. Plahy said Mrs Jacobson's classroom is expected to remain closed for the rest of the year . She told the Register her digital media arts teacher returned and locked the door before they were ushered into the gym a few minutes later. Frank Leon, 16, said his teacher left to unlock Mrs Jacobson's classroom and he heard 'screaming, crying,' he told the LA Times. 'It freaked the hell out of me.' He added that his teacher was screaming 'Oh my God, oh my God!' Captain Steve Concialdi, from the Orange County Fire Authority, said the teacher took her life sometime before 8.40am. According to the police official, students who found the victim initially arrived to a locked classroom. After the two students were let inside by another teacher, the three found the teacher and helped cut her down from the ceiling. Responding paramedics found her lying on the classroom floor suffering from cardiac arrest, and performed CPR but were unable to revive Mrs Jacobson. She was pronounced dead at the scene. Following the tragic event, many students have paid tribute to Mrs Jacobson on social media. 'We love you Mrs Jacobson,' wrote one student on Twitter. 'You'll never be forgotten.' Another, Mitch Brick, posted a photo of a sunset as he wrote: 'Mrs Jacobson has taught me so much about photography, much love sent out to her, rest in peace. 'Mrs Jacobson told me that to be a good photographer, you need to get creative and think outside the box.' And Amber Guttilla said: 'For those who did not know Mrs Jacobson, there was not a teacher on this planet who cared more for her students. 'Her compassion knew no bounds and she always put us first. Please don't get caught up in the news stories that will only remember her for her final decision. You are so loved Mrs J.' Assistant Superintendent Candy Plahy said the students who saw the hanging scene are being closely monitored and provided special counseling. 'These are kids who were particularly close to this teacher,' said Plahy. 'Coming in and finding your teacher is no longer alive is traumatic. They need support.' Mrs Jacobson's classroom door was locked but a picture of the smiling brunette was placed out front along with notes and flowers. Plahy said the classroom is expected to remain closed for the rest of the year.
Jillian Jacobson, 31, spoke to students about 2011 suicide of her father, Richard Prisbey, 55; told one class suicide is not answer to problems . She taught photography at El Dorado High School in Placentia, California . No one could point to any recent warning signs that she was distressed . Students found her in locked classroom hanging as they arrived for school . Jacobson was married and lived with her 34-year-old husband in Anaheim . On Monday night, 500 students held candlelit vigil for Mrs Jacobson . Her classroom will remain closed until end of school year . For confidential support on suicide matters call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255 or see www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org for details .