A Southern California photography teacher committed suicide by hanging herself Monday.

A group of students found the door of their photography instructor's classroom locked and thought their teacher, Jillian Jacobson was late. They contacted another teacher and got the room unlocked to find the body of Jacobson hanging from the ceiling.

Staff members at El Dorado High School helped take the body down and dialed 911

According to students, she inspired an interest in photography and some are posting tributes online.

A crisis team has responded to assist staff and students.

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Julian Conley listens during opening statements in his trial at Fulton County Superior Court in Atlanta on Wednesday, Sept. 17, 2025. The 25-year-old is accused of fatally shooting 8-year-old Secoriea Turner in July 2020. (Abbey Cutrer/AJC)

Credit: abbey.cutrer@ajc.com