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Cedar Springs community mourning loss of incoming freshman

Posted at 11:55 PM, Aug 24, 2016
and last updated 2016-08-24 23:55:05-04

CEDAR SPRINGS, Mich – School administrators in Cedar Springs have issued a statement to parents in the district late Wednesday, informing them of the death of an incoming freshman early Wednesday.

Below is the statement provided by district Superintendent Laura VanDuyn, Ed.D.

Dear CSPS Colleagues and Families:

It is with a heavy heart and deep sadness that I bear terrible news.  One of our incoming 9th-grade students, Mitchell Idema, passed away after being in critical condition since Wednesday morning.  His passing has just been confirmed through the Kent  County Sherriff Department and therefore you are now receiving the news of this tragedy.

Unfortunately, as we all know too well, the loss of a child is absolutely devastating to parents and famillies.  Please keep young Mitchell’s parents and family in your good thoughts and hope for their healing.

We, too, know the devastation faced by fellow classmates, friends and our CSPS teachers, support staff, coaches and administration as we care deeply for our students.  I know we all will be mourning the loss of this young man.   I am proud to know we will support Mitchell’s family and each other through this difficult time as a unified community that continually shares compassion and courage to face all challenges together.

A grief/crisis counseling team has been assembled.  The team will be prepared to meet with all who wish to have assistance dealing with this terrible loss to our district and community.  If you or someone you know would like to talk with trained professionals or to seek any type of assistance, please go to the high school cafeteria on Thursday beginning at 9:00 a.m.  

In appreciation for your  compassion, 

Laura