High school teacher James Kiernan dies from heart attack at Shalom College

A religious studies teacher has tragically died after collapsing at his desk, despite three of his colleagues’ best efforts to save him.

Mr Kiernan collapsed at his desk shortly after arriving at school around 7.30am on Tuesday after commuting from his Woodgate home.

A religious studies teacher tragically died after collapsing at his desk, despite three of his colleagues’ frantic efforts to save him on Tuesday morning.

James Kiernan — a teacher at Bundaberg’s Shalom College in Queensland — collapsed shortly after arriving at school around 7.30am on Tuesday after commuting from his Woodgate home.

Three colleagues nearby administered CPR while awaiting an ambulance, but Mr Kiernan tragically could not be revived.

Queensland Police confirmed the man in his 50s died of a heart attack, the Courier Mail reported.

The principal informed students about Mr Kiernan’s shortly after.

Mr Kiernan’s wife, Peta, was with him when he passed away.

Principal Dan McMahon described Mr Kiernan as a devout man who deeply loved his Catholic faith and had been a much-loved member of the school staff since 2021.

Mr Kiernan collapsed at his desk shortly after arriving at school around 7.30am on Tuesday after commuting from his Woodgate home.

“James loved his Catholic faith and lived it,” Mr McMahon said.

“James has been a much loved member of staff at Shalom since 2021 and would, perhaps, have taught more students here than the vast majority of teachers given that he had a full teaching load of Religious Education.

“He will be greatly missed in this community.

“May the God he loved so much, welcome him home and embrace, warmly, all those who loved James especially his family.”

The school is providing counselling services to both students and staff to help them cope with the loss.

Principal McMahon expressed concern that such events can trigger other life events and encouraged seeking support.

Principal Dan McMahon of Shalom College paid tribute to his staff member on Wednesday.

“Sometimes, events like this can trigger other events in their life that might not seem immediately relatable,” Mr McMahon said.

“I hope that everyone here knows that it is always OK to seek support.”

Mr Kiernan is survived by his wife Peta, three daughters and “a number of beautiful grandchildren who he loved deeply”.

Originally published as High school teacher James Kiernan dies from heart attack at Shalom College