Spanish teacher of 16 years Rene Hinojosa died last night at age 62. Hinojosa’s unexpected death was confirmed today by Principal Dr. Terri Benson in an email to staff. Campus counselors and district crisis counselors will be available for students and staff Monday.

“Tomorrow, we are more than a school, we are a family,” Benson wrote. “This is the time to really come together as a Caney Creek Family and mourn the loss of one of our own. Mr. Hinojosa was loved by all and will be greatly missed.”

Hinojosa went beyond teaching in the classroom, he worked to serve as an inspiration to students, someone they could look up to and trust.

“I love what I do,” Hinojosa said in a previous interview. “Teaching Spanish, interacting with the kids, and being a positive role model for them. Coming to work everyday and interacting with all my students is reason enough to motivate me each day at work.”

Hinojosa was a husband and father of three, worked multiple jobs, and a known active community member. Hinojosa found much of his inspiration through his Christian beliefs, Crediting his faith for the life he’s built.

“I’m thankful to the good Lord because I don’t think I would be where I’m at if it wasn’t for the Lord,” Hinojosa said in a previous article. “The plans he has for me are incredible. I’ve been blessed with an awesome family circle all my life.”

He participated in multiple school events each year and was an advocate for physical activity; a subject he majored in college at Texas State University as an exercise science major in 2005.

“I enjoy life out there,” Hinojosa said. “I like to play baseball and basketball, mainly basketball. I like to work, I do anything and everything to keep me busy and help my wife around.”

Of the hundreds of students Hinojosa taught, he grew a strong bond with many. Junior Savanah Cowherd described him as an inspiration and a safe place; an environment Hinojosa thrived to make. 

“He tries really hard to make a difference in his students,” Cowherd said. “He always had upperclassmen who used to have his class visit just to see him. He’s understanding and funny, plus he’s easy to make conversation with.”

Hinojosa stated in the previous article he viewed his students as his own children. In a previous interview with Student Media he was asked what he wanted to be remembered for. 

“A loving, caring human being, a teacher who really cared for his students in the classroom,” Hinojosa said. “I try to make it fun and exciting for the kids, and for kids to see me as someone that really cares for them.”

His goal oriented personality led him to becoming the first of his siblings to receive a college degree. Becoming a teacher, his personality followed with; encouraging students to reach for the stars. 

“If you have a dream, follow it,” Hinojosa said. “If there’s something that you want to achieve, it can be achievable as long as you put your mind into it, effort, and time.”

Details of his service have not been released yet.