The body was found lying in the crosswalk right in front of the school, it was discovered at 5:30 Thursday morning
Even though the parents did a good job of spreading the word among themselves not to go to school - the police chief made the official decision to cancel classes.
"It is my feeling that with a dead body 20 feet away from where they get out of their cars - it might be traumatic for them. The school officials agreed, so they are the ones who made the decision not to have class," said Chief Dan Lawrence, Clayton police department.
The body has been identified as that of 25-year-old Nicholas James Devine of Washington state.
There is no evidence to suggest foul play and the police are now treating the death as a possible suicide.
