- Ann Arbor Public Schools
- Superintendent's Messages
November 9, 2016 - Sad News
Dear Ann Arbor Parents and Community Members,
It is with profound sadness that once again, we have very sad news to share. Yesterday afternoon, Benjamin Pierce, a Huron Sophomore student accidentally fell from a downtown parking structure and was fatally injured in the fall. Benjamin is remembered fondly for his kind and gentle good humor; he enjoyed playing ice hockey and was very well liked by his classmates.
At the time of the accident, he was with two other 10th grade students from Huron who witnessed the tragic accident.
Our hearts and our thoughts are with his family, friends, and school staff at this tragic time.
The Ann Arbor Public Schools Crisis and Grief Teams are currently activated at both Huron and Clague, where Ben attended school during his 8th grade year.
There are, no doubt, students and staff across the district who will be impacted by this loss who may have learned this information through friends or social media. Please be watchful of our children and ask for support from counselors for any student who is struggling.
The loss of a child is always traumatic and even those who did not know Ben personally may feel the effects of the loss. We, as a community, have suffered the loss of too many of our children recently and it is understandable that coping with another such tragedy may feel overwhelming.
Below are some strategies for how to talk to our children about a traumatic event that you may find helpful.
Please take care of each other, and continue to let us know how we may support you all.
Jeanice Swift
Superintendent of Schools