No arrests have been made in the death of a Kenosha teacher, though police said the investigation is progressing.

Colin Byars, 24, of Kenosha, who taught at McKinley Middle School, died early Saturday morning after he was punched in the face and his head hit the pavement during a confrontation outside of Big Shotz Sports Bar and Lounge, 3000 Roosevelt Road.

Byars had reportedly intervened when some men started harassing a group of women. Byars suffered a severe head injury and was taken to Froedtert Hospital in Wauwatosa, where he was pronounced dead.

“There is no one in custody and no arrests have been made, but we feel the investigation has been making progress, and we do have some leads we’re trying to develop,” Kenosha Police Sgt. Hugh Rafferty said. “We have several detectives assigned to the case and have conducted numerous interviews and continue to do so.”

After examining video from inside the bar, police believe the men involved were not inside Big Shotz prior to the incident, Rafferty said.

Police have received several calls with information about the incident, and Rafferty said he hopes people with any information continue to call.

Such calls should be made to the Kenosha Police Department at 605-5200. People wishing to remain anonymous, but be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000, can call Kenosha Area Crime Stoppers at 656-7333.

Byars’ life and death have weighed on the minds of many people since Saturday.

Angel Licht, a mother of one of Byars’ students at McKinley, is organizing a candlelight vigil to honor Byars beginning at 7 tonight in a parking lot across from Big Shotz.

“It’s just to show that he was a tremendous guy and worked with so many kids,” Licht said.

Those attending should bring candles.

Kenosha Unified School District Superintendent Joe Mangi said about 20 extra counselors were at McKinley Monday to help students and staff cope.

“Quite a number of students were seeking help, as many as 60 at one time,” Mangi said.

But Mangi said the school, its students and staff still were moving forward as best they could.

“It was a pretty tough day, but so far they seem to be handling things as best as possible,” Mangi said. “The kids are trying to express their grief with signs on the doors, and they’ve talked about putting together a quilt.”

Mangi said the school may have further tributes for Byars after his visitation service Wednesday and funeral Thursday. Mangi said he expects those to be tough days for everyone who knew Byars.

“Colin Byars was a wonderful teacher and a terrific human being,” Mangi said. “His energy, enthusiasm and infectious personality connected him with students and staff alike.”

Byars was a graduate of Tremper High School and the University of Wisconsin-Parkside.