Deputies: Coach accused of sexual assault found dead

THE WOODLANDS, TX (KTRK) -- A coach with a long list of awards took his own life late Thursday night, the same day he was placed on administrative leave from Woodlands High School. He was being investigated for an alleged sexual assault of a student on the girl's softball team which he coached.

Richard Jorgenson was found dead in his car in Port Arthur, where he apparently drove after being told to leave the campus. A letter to school parents from the principal described it as a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Investigators say he left a suicide note. The contents have not yet been released.

The case moved at lightning speed. The player made an outcry to her parents Wednesday, which may have been the day the alleged assault occurred. Investigators would not confirm where it is said to have taken place.

Thursday, the student and her parents went to the precinct 3 constable's office. She was interviewed by investigators at Safe Harbor, which investigates sexual abuse. Within a few hours, an arrest warrant was being prepared, based on the statements and evidence presented.

"Because he was in a high position, and had contact with children, we had to move fast," said Pct 1 Chief Deputy Matthew Rodrigue.

An alert was issued for Jorgenson, who couldn't be located. Among the places officers were told he might go was Port Arthur, where he grew up.

That's where he was found, two miles from town on a country road, not far from a favorite fishing spot. He was dead, a gun and a note found with him. "We don't know what it says at this point," said Rodrigue.

Jorgenson leaves behind a wife and children, and even now, people who knew him for years as a friend, and mentor to his players. "I don't want to say anything, " a member of the Lady Highlanders' Booster Club told us. "He has a family," she said. "It's tragic."

Rodrigue agrees. "There is no good ending to this story," he said.

Late today, we were told another student outcry has been made to investigators regarding Jorgenson.

There will be no prosecution, because the defendant is dead. He was not arrested, neither was he charged. Even so, said Deputy Rodrigue urged any other potential victims to contact authorities. "We can attempt to get them some help, some remedies, if possible," he said.

More teachers accused

School band director found hiding in teen's closet

Teacher accused of having sexual relations with student

Deer Park substitute teacher arrested for sexting with student