Long Island School Community Mourns Loss Of Student To Rare Illness: District

MIDDLE ISLAND, NY — The Longwood School District community is mourning the loss of a student who died from a rare and rapidly progressing illness, Superintendent Lance Lohman announced Sunday in a Facebook post.

Lohman said that it was with an extremely heavy heart that he shared "the heartbreaking news" of Nolan Horn's death, saying that the 14-year-old was "one of our beloved" students.

"Nolan was a true shining light in our schools and community," he said, adding that his "love for family, friends, baseball, golf, and Longwood" was "evident in everything he did."

"Nolan’s smile, positivity, and determination inspired everyone around him," he added.

Nolan reportedly had brain cancer.

Lohman said that "throughout the most challenging times and setbacks" that Horn faced over the past months, "he continued to show us all the power of his unwavering strength, grit, and determination as he continuously fought to bounce back to where he once was without a doubt in his mind that he would get there soon."

"Even today, his courage, resilience, and kindness, for which he will forever be remembered, continue to bring the Longwood community together," he added.

"Our deepest condolences and prayers are with Nolan’s family, who are Longwood through and through, and we ask that you all join us in offering the full support of our entire district, schools, and community," he said.

"We recognize that the loss of any student in our community is a tragedy for each and every one of us, and that Nolan’s passing will certainly bring significant grief to many across our entire school community," he said.

Counselors and the crisis team will continue to be available at the high school, and throughout the district to support students, staff, and the community over the coming week and beyond, according to Lohman.

"Please join us in keeping Nolan and his family in your hearts and prayers so that together, as a community, we may continue to honor his life and legacy as we support one another over the coming days," he said.

Horn will be waked Tuesday and Wednesday in Miller Place and a mass of Roman Catholic burial is being held Thursday at St. Mark 's Church in Shoreham, according to his obituary posted on Branch Funeral Home's website.