Thoreau Community Mourns Loss Of Student

Students returning to Thoreau Middle School on Monday were told they'd lost a classmate and a friend over the weekend.

The teens and teachers at the school, along with parents and administrators,  mourned the unexpected death of a seventh-grade boy, with counselors, a psychologist and social worker on hand to support the community throughout the day.

In an email to parents late Sunday night, Principal Greg Hood wrote the student's death was "very sad and difficult day for all of us."

"This is tragic news for all of us, but especially for the family of the student," Hood wrote.

The boy's name and cause of death were not released.

On Monday, Hood told Patch that staff is working with the family and the school's business partner, Navy Federal Credit Union, to establish a memorial fund in the student's name. Donations can be made to the fund to help pay for hospital and funeral expenses, Hood said.

Information about where to send those donations is forthcoming, Hood said.

"Please let your child know we are here to support him or her during this difficult time," Hood said. "If you feel your child needs additional support, please let us know and we will follow up with him or her at school."

Patch will update this story as more information becomes available.