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COLORADO SPRINGS, COLO. -- Local students, teachers and parents are reacting to the death of a popular District 20 teacher and coach.

Rob Christopher was a social studies teacher at Air Academy High School in Colorado Springs.

In the past, he also coached football and track at the school.

Christopher was struck and killed by lightning July 12 while on a camping trip in Arizona.

Now, many of his current and former students and co-workers are voicing their sadness over his death.

"I was devastated, he was one of the good guys, he was one of those people who looks out for everyone but himself," Liberty High School Athletic Director Mike Sibley said.

Sibley used to work with Christopher at Air Academy High School.

He said when he was promoted to dean of students several years ago, Christopher took over his social studies room.

"It created a great connection between he and I, and a love for history," Sibley said. "We also coached football together."

Sibley said Christopher loved football, and always enjoyed coaching.

But he said his true passion was in the classroom teaching the subjects he loved.

"He was a historian who had a love for what had gone on in the past," Sibley said.

Those who worked with Christopher are not the only ones expressing their love and respect for him.

Dozens of students have also shared their thoughts on Facebook.

One of his former football players said Christopher was not just a teacher, but also a mentor.

"If I had a rough day he would always pull me aside and talk to me one on one, more about life than anything else," AAHS graduate Dan Thomas said.

Thomas said that is what Mr. Christopher always tried to do, get to the "heart of an issue."

That is the reason he believes so many students looked up to him, and considered him a role model.

"He touched a lot of lives as a teacher and coach, and you can see that in his impact on the community, and hearts are hurting all over," Thomas said.

Another student said "I felt like Mr. Christopher was everything a teacher should be today, he actually took students out into the world to learn," said AAHS graduate Alex.

District 20 said Christopher was a teacher at Air Academy for 11 years.

They said they are working on setting up a scholarship in his name.

Christopher is survived by his wife Jennifer.

Did you know Rob Christopher? Share your memories of him below, FOX21 would love to hear from you.