The Charles City schools superintendent released the following statement Thursday morning about the death of high school student Ayden Stafford:

Dear Families and Staff,

It is with a great deal of sadness that I provide you with this update. We have been informed that a Charles City High School student, Ayden Stafford, passed away yesterday.

We understand that this news may be difficult to process, and we want to assure you that our thoughts are with you during this challenging time. We are committed to supporting our students and staff in coping with this loss. Counselors will be available at our high school for the rest of this week and next week to help students who need help processing this terrible news. We encourage students who need assistance to visit the counseling office at any time.

Let’s continue to show kindness to one another as we grieve together. Please join me in keeping the student’s family and friends in our thoughts.

With deepest sympathy,

Dr. Brian Burnight

Superintendent