The Needham High School community is grieving the loss of junior Elijah Chen, who died suddenly on Monday, Sept. 14. The cause of death was not released.
“News like this is difficult to share, especially when it involves a young person,” NPS superintendent Dan Gutekanst wrote in an email to Needham Public School families on Tuesday, Sept. 15. “I encourage parents and families to consider these resources as a way to talk about this news with your child should they be curious or concerned. Please join me in offering prayers and support to Elijah’s family.”
“It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that I write to inform you of a tragic loss within our community,” NHS principal Aaron Sicotte wrote to the NHS community in an email shortly after.
“Our thoughts and condolences are with Elijah’s family, friends, and loved ones during this heartbreaking time. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, we are not sharing any additional details at this time, but we ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”
Chen was actively involved in NHS football and track, playing both wide receiver and cornerback on the NHS varsity team as #29. Chen has two younger siblings attending High Rock School and Pollard Middle School.
The School Committee began its Sept. 15 meeting with a moment of silent reflection in honor of Chen. Chair Alisa Skatrud voiced the committee’s “heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family.” Gutekanst expressed appreciation for the communities at NHS, High Rock, Pollard and Mitchell (where Chen attended elementary school), who came together to support students.
“It was a trying and difficult day,” he said. “Clearly for the family, who I connected with earlier today, but also for friends, teachers who’d known Elijah for many years. This is what this community does well: it takes care of its children and wraps arms around them when there’s a need.”
“During this painful time, our primary focus is supporting Elijah’s family, our students, and our staff,” Sicotte wrote in his email communication. “The NHS and district counseling and administrative teams are available today and throughout the week to assist students and staff who may need support.”
Before school started on Tuesday, Sept. 15, NHS teachers and staff met to process the news, review grief support protocols and prepare to assist students who may be struggling. During school, members of the NHS counseling department and district mental health professionals were on-site to provide immediate counseling opportunities for staff and students. Sicotte and members of the counseling office were in each of Chen’s classes to support students.
Emotional support dogs from Needham’s Police Department and seven nearby communities visited with students throughout the day.
“We want students and families to know that we are here for them throughout the community and will help connect them with whatever resources they may need, even beyond school hours,” said school resource officer Joe Brienze.
Gutekanst and Sicotte both noted that high school administration and staff will continue to offer guidance and services as necessary. Members of the NHS counseling department and district mental health professionals will be available at the NHS counseling office throughout the week.
“We recognize that focusing on academics may be challenging right now,” Sicotte said. “Teachers are prepared to offer flexibility and support for students who need extra time or assistance.”
Gutekanst and Sicotte both highlighted grief counseling services, available at Riverside Trauma Center, Needham Youth and Family Services, Boston Children’s Hospital, Human Resource Services and the National Association of School Psychologists. Free resources are also available at Now Matters Now, a non-profit organization providing support and tools for those coping with intense emotional distress.
“Sadness, shock, confusion, and anger are all normal responses to a sudden loss. And a person’s response will vary over time and in different moments,” said Sicotte. “We encourage parents and guardians to talk openly with your children, ask how they are doing, and be patient with them.”
“Listen patiently and validate their feelings without judgment. Maintain reassuring routines while allowing flexibility when needed. Reach out to NHS staff if you notice significant changes in your child’s behavior, mood, or eating/sleeping habits. If you feel your child needs immediate, individualized support, please do not hesitate to contact their school counselor directly.”
Brienze added that NPD’s school resource officers will continue working closely with NHS staff to support students, and will remain in contact with Chen’s family for as long as the family feels is necessary. The police department’s embedded Riverside clinician, Emily Turnbull, is also available to help those impacted by Chen’s death.
“Our larger commitment is simply to remain present and supportive while working alongside the schools and our community,” Brienze said. “Grief affects everyone differently, and there is no timetable for when someone may need help. We want our community to know that support will continue to be available long after these first difficult days.”
“At this time we are not prepared to share any additional information beyond the emails,” Gutekanst told the Observer. “We will continue to offer our support and pray for the family.”
Sicotte added that, as details become available regarding opportunities to honor Chen’s memory or support his family, those details will be shared in accordance with the family’s wishes.
“Please take care of yourselves and your children and lean on each other and us with compassion and grace in the days ahead,” he said.
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