Caitlin Follstad: Washington teacher fatally stabbed, cops suspect missing husband took his own life

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, please contact the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).

ANACORTES, WASHINGTON: An elementary school teacher has been found dead from stabbing in Washington state. Her husband - whom the police had designated as a person of interest in the case - is considered to have taken his own life after they found his abandoned car on a bridge and a body in the water.

The Anacortes Police Department reported that Caitlin Follstad, 41, a fifth-grade teacher at Island View Elementary, was discovered at her residence in the 2200 block of J Avenue on Tuesday, April 9 afternoon.

911 caller claimed his son Kevin Follstad was suicidal

According to authorities, a 911 caller claimed that his 41-year-old son Kevin Follstad was driving to the Deception Pass bridge and may have been suicidal.

Police dogs searched the area after the vehicle was discovered by Washington State Patrol troopers on the center island of the Deception Pass bridge, but they were unable to locate the driver.

Early on April 11, there was a report of a body discovered in the water close to Deception Pass, to which numerous agencies were called. Officials were working hard to find the remains and positively identify them.

According to Anacortes Police Department spokesperson Brent Lindquist, who talked with ABC Seattle affiliate KOMO, authorities believe it has something to do with the murder.

Lindquist remarked while speaking to the station, “Based on the circumstances surrounding the case, what has happened, where the vehicle was discovered, and the unknown nature of his whereabouts, we do believe that’s what happened.”

According to police, the children, who weren't home when the murders took place, are safe with their grandparents.

Neighbor expresses heartbreak over children's loss of their mother

Kurt Kobs, a neighbor of the Follstads, was taken aback by the tragedy. Kobs said, “That’s the biggest thing, is the thought these children now have to spend the rest of their life, knowing that their father killed their mother and now they don’t have their mother, that’s the most heartbreaking thing of all of it.”

The victim was incredibly loved, according to a statement from the Anacortes School District, Law&Crime reported.

“It is with heavy hearts that we announce the tragic loss of Caitlin Follstad, a cherished member of the Island View Elementary community,” the statement said.

It further noted, “Her passion for education led her to Island View Elementary, where she served as a teacher, mentor, and friend. The Anacortes School District extends its sympathies to Caitlin’s family, friends, students, and colleagues during this difficult time.”

Students and staff who are affected by the loss will have access to grief counselors, according to the district.

“The loss of life is incredibly hard and if you notice any colleagues or students showing signs of grief, please take a moment to reach out,” the statement said.

The husband's mental health was the subject of a March call to police, according to KOMO-TV. However, the call was not followed up on.

“His behavior at the time did not fit the criteria for involuntary treatment, and he declined to speak to medical professionals voluntarily,” police said, the station reported.

The city of Anacortes, which has a population of 17,637 and is located north of Seattle, has seen only two homicides in the last forty years, according to the station.