New Orleans — The Salmen High School family is grappling with grief after the sudden death of Alvin Garabold, a well-liked assistant principal who was fatally wounded in a shooting early Tuesday morning. The New Orleans Police Department responded to reports of gunfire near Governor Nicholls and North Villere streets around 6:30 a.m., where Garabold, 38, was found with life-threatening injuries. Emergency services pronounced him dead at the scene as an investigation into the circumstances continues.
Garabold was a rising figure in school leadership at Salmen High in Slidell, where he had served since August 2023. Before that, he was dean of students at Bonnabel High School in Jefferson Parish, shaping school culture and mentoring students and colleagues alike. Friends and coworkers describe him as a passionate educator who lived his work and believed deeply in giving young people the support they needed to succeed.
His loss landed like a shock wave across the close-knit community of students, teachers, and families in St. Tammany Parish. School officials sent out notices Wednesday morning, acknowledging the heavy hearts on campus and urging everyone to lean on one another for support. Counselors and mental health staff were immediately made available for anyone struggling with the news.
Garabold’s own journey into education was marked by dedication and academic accomplishment. He earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees in science from Jackson State University and later completed a specialist certification in educational leadership from Capella University. Those credentials reflected his commitment not just to administration, but to understanding the students he served.
In the hours after his death, law enforcement urged anyone with information to assist the ongoing homicide investigation to contact New Orleans Police detectives. Community members were also reminded that anonymous tips can be shared via Crimestoppers. None of the details about a suspect or motive have been released, and investigators say they continue interviewing witnesses and reviewing evidence.
At Salmen High, where colors are black and gold and the Spartan spirit runs deep, Garabold’s absence is being felt in every hallway and classroom. Students who once saw him as a steady presence now speak of him as a mentor who pushed them to think bigger, work harder, and remain humble in success. Staff members recall his laugh, his open door, and the way he never hesitated to put students first.
Leaders in the school district have asked the public to respect the privacy of Garabold’s family as they mourn, thanking the community for its compassion and support. For families trying to make sense of the violence that cut a beloved educator’s life short, the focus remains on healing together, honoring his impact, and waiting for more answers as the investigation unfolds.
