Chatham Community Mourns Death Of 4th Grader

CHATHAM, NJ — Chatham fourth grader Tessa Handerhan passed away Thursday night, after almost a month in the pediatric ICU, Superintendent Mike LaSusa said.

Her death was shared with parents and students in an email sent out by LaSusa Friday morning (you can read the full letter below). "Our prayers and thoughts are with the Handerhan family during this time," LaSusa said.

Handerhan went into respiratory failure and cardiac arrest on Dec. 17, a family friend wrote in a GoFundMe page set up to offset medical costs. She remained unconscious through the holidays, the friend wrote.

Counseling and mental health staff will be available at Lafayette Avenue School and Washington Avenue School for any students who need support, LaSusa said.

You can read LaSusa's full letter here:

Dear Parents and Staff Members,

It is with profound sadness that I need to report that one of our fourth-grade students, Tessa Handerhan, passed away last night. Our prayers and thoughts are with the Handerhan family during this time. The school district will have counseling and mental health staff available for all students and staff in need of support at Lafayette Avenue School and Washington Avenue School today. We will assess our needs and continue to provide support as needed. Should your child need assistance, please contact your child's school. Your child's principal may communicate additional information to you later today.

Sincerely,

Mike LaSusa

Header image via Shutterstock, body image via GoFundMe, a Patch promotional partner.