A Classmate’s Tragic Passing
As a senior, I’m grappling with the loss of another senior who died over the weekend. I didn’t know him well—his face and last name escape me—but his passing weighs heavily on my mind. From what I’ve heard, he was on FaceTime with his girlfriend and friends, and tragically, he accidentally shot himself while playing with a gun. The details have become muddled with rumors, and I don’t know what truly happened. Some say he suffocated from his injuries, but I can’t make sense of it all.
I’ve found myself in tears twice today, and I even wrote a note of condolence to his father. In class, I see a girl sobbing in the back, a reminder of the heartbreak we’re all feeling. Meanwhile, other classes carry on as if it’s just another day. But for us seniors and the teachers, the atmosphere is heavy with grief.
School has been canceled on Friday so we can attend his funeral, but I’m torn about going. I don’t know his family or friends, and it feels awkward. Yet, it also seems disrespectful not to pay my respects. I’ve never experienced this kind of loss before, and everything feels so uncertain. Our senior classes have fallen quiet, filled with tension and sorrow, and I find myself at a loss for how to navigate this situation.
Rest in peace, KT. You are loved and missed. <3
I’m so sorry to hear about this tragic loss. It’s completely understandable to feel overwhelmed and unsure in a situation like this, especially when it involves someone you didn’t know personally. Grief can be heavy, even for those who aren’t close to the person who passed away, because it affects the entire community.
It’s normal to not know how to process these feelings, especially when it seems like everyone else is carrying on as usual. The tensions you’re feeling in your classes are real, and it’s okay to acknowledge them. Writing that note to his father was a beautiful gesture; it demonstrates compassion, even from a distance.
As for the funeral, that’s a deeply personal decision. You’re not obligated to go if you feel uncomfortable, but attending can also be a way to honor his memory and support those who are grieving more intensely. Whatever you choose, make sure to take care of yourself during this time. There’s no right or wrong way to grieve, and it’s okay to reach out for support—whether it’s talking to friends, a teacher, or a counselor.
Remember, it’s okay to feel and express your emotions, even if you didn’t know him well. You’re part of a community that is hurting, and it’s natural to feel the impact of that. Take it one step at a time, and don’t hesitate to lean on others if you need to. Rest in peace, KT.