Michigan Principal Identified After Tragic Death on School Campus

A Michigan principal who was found dead on the Ionia Public Schools campus last week has now been identified.

The body of Douglas R. Welch High School Principal Jason Little,36, was discovered early Thursday morning, December 4, 2025.

WILX-10 reports that Ionia Public School buildings were closed yesterday, December 8, 2025, to allow students, staff, and community members the opportunity to attend funeral services.

Jason Little leaves behind a wife and two children. A GoFundMe has been set up to help the family with expenses. The message on the page reads as follows,

The communities of Ionia and Welch, Michigan are mourning the sudden loss of Jason Little—a devoted husband, loving father, and passionate history teacher. Jason’s unexpected passing has left his wife, Ashley, and their two young children facing unimaginable loss, and his absence is deeply felt by everyone who knew him.

To date, the GoFundMe has reached $20,061 toward its $24,000 goal. If you are interested in making a donation, you can do so here.

As of now, no official cause of death has been released by authorities. Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, colleagues, and students who were impacted by Jason Little’s passing.

By all accounts, Principal Little was deeply respected and loved by many within the school community and beyond. You can read his full obituary here.

Please keep his family in your thoughts at this most difficult time.