Local teacher’s death leaves a hole in the heart of the Olney community
Monday, July 8, DPS Sergeant Dan Buesing reported that the body of Manuela Allen of Olney was found deceased near Lake Cooper located in Archer County Sunday, July 7. Currently, the Texas Rangers are handling the investigation and have no suspects. There is no official statement connecting the Allen home with the crime, although the home was surrounded by crime scene tape, which is a normal part of any investigation to avoid contaminating a potential crime scene. We will provide additional information that is provided from the Texas Rangers.
While awaiting additional information from authorities, we want to address the impact of Allen’s death on the community. Allen was a beloved teacher of the Olney ISD who taught German and English. She was so much more to the students of Olney ISD though. To follow are statements from those who knew her personally.
Lashawna Routon Whitsitt said, “What truly gifted and wonderful teacher Manuela Allen was to my child (and all children). I cannot count how many times Olivia came home and proclaimed she was “her favorite teacher.” You were a blessing to us all. May God wrap his loving arms around your family and bring them peace. We will miss you.”
Riley Jo Dunlap said, “This one IS for my first friend at Olney high school. To the one who got down on her hands and knees, so a big pregnant woman didn’t have to get up and down on the floor to figure out a smartboard. To the most selfless, caring co-worker who loved everyone in the hallway. The constant smile and the tightest hugs. Love you forever and ever, Manuela.”
Lori Penn Cox said, “My hearts breaks for Manuela’s family. She was the most helpful and friendly co-worker and one of the best supporters and encouragers of our OAP program. I will miss her.”
Andrew Tellez said, “This makes me so sad. [I] didn’t get much sleep because of it, but I loved this lady like my mom. She always knew the words to say to make any student smile and change their mood. Every question we had and the answer was in the book “LOOK IN THE BOOK” always had a smile on her face and making a joke. This town and school will never be the same without her. She’ll be very missed. Prayers for the Allen family.”
Olney ISD Superintendent Dr. Greg Roach said, “We are deeply saddened at the passing of Manuela Allen—a tragic loss to the staff and students of Olney ISD, but even more devastating to her family. The circumstances surrounding her death are terrible to consider, but we have the utmost confidence in the current investigation by law enforcement. We hope that all who are grieved by Mrs. Allen’s passing will find peace.”
Those closest to the Allen Family are asking for prayers for the family. As you offer up your prayers, reflect on the love and light Manuela Allen brought to the Olney community. Pause to consider the consequences of the words you speak and repeat, and how these words may affect Allen’s loved ones. Rely on the facts as your source of information, and rest assured that the Olney Police Department are working to ensure our safety.