FARMINGTON (AP) - A popular teacher at Harmony High School died after collapsing at a morning assembly, school officials said.

"It's quite a shock," principal Dave Stammeyer said.

Eric Ekle, 43, taught vocational/agricultural topics in grades nine through 12 at the southeast Iowa school. He collapsed Monday morning and school officials called for medical help. Ekle died later in the day, but the cause of death was not disclosed

"Eric had a great personality and students really liked him," Stammeyer said. "He will be missed."

Ekle taught in the Harmony district for about 10 years before leaving for another job. He returned this year and had been back at the school for about seven weeks.

Stammeyer said the school has brought in counselors to help grieving students and staff members.