Fox Lane Community Mourns Loss And Prepares For Commencement Ceremony

BEDFORD, NY — As graduating Fox Lane High School seniors prepare for commencement ceremonies, school officials are making support available for grads struggling to make sense of a tragedy.

"We learned this morning that two of our seniors were involved in a serious car accident," Schools Superintendent Robert Glass wrote in a message to families on Tuesday. "We are devastated to inform you that one of the students involved in the accident, Joshua Martinez Arana, has passed away. Our hearts go out to Josh’s family, and this loss is sure to raise many emotions for our entire community, especially our students. The passenger of the vehicle has more serious injuries than reported earlier and is currently receiving medical attention."

According to initial media reports, police say the passenger in the vehicle called police around 2:27 a.m. The first responders found the car on the front lot of J.V. Auto Body on North Bedford Road. While the 18-year-old who died has been identified as Joshua Martinez Arana, the 17-year-old passenger in the hospital has not been identified by authorities.

In the email sent to Patch, Glass said the district's crisis team is mobilized with help from clinicians in neighboring districts. The superintendent said even as the school prepares to pay proud tribute to graduates on Thursday, the school is committed to providing assistance for any students or staff who need it during the difficult time.

"We are deeply saddened by this tragic loss and will ensure that supports are in place in our schools throughout the coming days," Glass said.

The tragedy has reverberated throughout the community preparing to celebrate a monumental rite of passage for the Class of 2024, while feeling the loss of one of their own, and living with the anxiety of knowing another classmate is fighting to survive.

"My sincere condolences to the family of Joshua Martinez Arana on the tragic loss of their son in an automotive accident this morning," NYS Sen. Pete Harckham said in a statement. "My heart is with you in this difficult time and we are all hoping for a speedy recovery of the other student involved in the accident."...

Congressman Mike Lawler, who represents the district, expressed his personal sorrow over the news.

"Heartbroken by this news," Lawler said. "Praying for the families of both students, for Fox Lane High School, and for the entire Bedford community."

NYS Assemblymember Chris Burdick also spoke for a community sharing in the unspeakable loss.

"Our hearts go out to the family and friends of Joshua Martinez Arana and the entire Fox Lane community for this devastating loss," Burdick said. "I am keeping them, as well as the other student who was injured, in my prayers."