Intermediate School Student Mourned In Wall

WALL, NJ — The Wall Township community is mourning the death of an eighth-grade student over the weekend.

Laila Orjuela, 14, was a student at Wall Intermediate School, according to a GoFundMe campaign created by a family friend and confirmed in a letter from Wall Schools Superintendent Tracy Handerhan to the district's staff, students and families.

"The family is understandably shocked by this sudden tragic loss," wrote Rita Spader, who created the GoFundMe campaign for Laila's family. "Losing a loved one is always difficult, but coping with a sudden unimaginable loss of a young child adds a different element to the grieving process."

"On behalf of the school community, we know you will join us in sending thoughts of support and condolences to the family and friends," Handerhan wrote. The district "has a comprehensive plan in place to help meet the needs ofour students, faculty, and staff with safe and supportive measures," including school counselors and community resources.

"We recognize the devastating impact this loss will have on many individuals who have and will continue to love Laila and her family," school board president Christine Steitz wrote. "The Wall Township Public Schools District deeply mourns the loss of Laila’s presence and her unique personal gifts that can never be replaced."

In addition to counseling and support in school, the district highlighted several other resources:

• Monmouth County Mental Health Services
• Youth Helpline: 2nd Floor
• NJ Hopeline

The district also recommended resources for parents to have discussions with the children about Laila's death:

• How to Talk to Children About Difficult News
• How to Talk With Kids About Tragedies & Other Traumatic News Events
• Building your Resilience