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CHARLOTTE – Faculty and students at Northwest School of the Arts were mourning the loss of their principal, Barry Bowe, on Tuesday. Bowe, a popular principal who led the magnet school for the past four years, was unexpectedly found dead Monday.

Counselors were on hand to help grieving students Tuesday as they dealt with the loss.

“Principal B. was a good man. When I first met him, he was the best person I know. He'd always say hi to me each morning when I passed by him,” student Darius Gaither said.

News 14 Carolina spoke with Bowe two weeks ago at a magnet fair. He was a major proponent for the school of the arts and was popular amongst students and their families.

“I've enjoyed Dr. Bowe for the past two years my grandchild was there. He was a lovable person. He knew how to get to them, talk to them, communicate with them and get them to do what he asked,” said Sandra Madison, a grandparent of a Northwest student.

In a statement, CMS officials said, “All of us at CMS are mourning the loss of a valued educator, colleague and friend. We extend our deepest sympathy to his family and friends.”

CMS officials did confirm there were questions about what happened at a school dance in December where someone pulled a gun. They added, however, Bowe was never suspended and was still employed at CMS. He took a personal day Friday, which added to some speculation that he might have been fired.

Huntersville police say all indications point to suicide as the cause of Bowe's death.

Prior to his job at Northwest, Bowe was a principal in Charleston, W.Va.