LI Student, 'A Beautiful Soul,' Mourned By School Community: Superintendent

LONG ISLAND, NY — A school community on Long Island is mourning the loss of a student, who was hospitalized last weekend and died Wednesday night, according to posts on social media.

In a post to Facebook on Thursday morning, Longwood Central School District Schools Superintendent Lance Lohman announced "the heartbreaking news" that a student, who was in critical care, died on Wednesday night.

He said it was with "profound sorrow" that he was sharing that Ashley Alvarez-Rodriguez, a 7th-grade student at Longwood Junior High School, has died.

"Ashley’s passing is a tremendous loss to our school community, and our hearts are with her family, friends, teachers, and all who knew and loved her," he wrote. "Ashley was a beautiful soul who always put the needs of others before her own."

She dreamed of working in the medical field to help others, and "in a final act of compassion and bravery," gave "the gift of life to so many others" as an organ donor, according to Lohman.

"In moments like this, we are reminded of how deeply connected we are as a school community," he said. "We grieve together, and we support one another through such unimaginable loss for us all."

In her obituary posted on the website of the Mangano Funeral Home of Middle Island, Alvarez-Rodriguez, 12, was described as "a vibrant spirit who touched the lives of many."

She died two days shy of her 13th birthday.

"Though her time with us was far too brief, Ashley was a source of joy and inspiration to her family and friends," the post read.

She is survived by her mother, father, and her three siblings.

The district’s mental health and counseling teams are available at the Junior High School and throughout all of our schools to provide support for students, staff, and families, according to Lohman.

"Please do not hesitate to reach out to your child’s building administration if there is anything at all we can do to help," he added.

"In honor of Ashley and out of respect for her family, we kindly ask that you all join us in giving them the privacy and space they need as they begin to process and grieve this devastating loss," he said.

"Thank you again for your compassion, your kindness, and your continued support," he said. "Let us keep Ashley’s memory alive in our hearts and surround her family with Longwood strength, love, and heart during this extremely difficult time."

Patch has reached out to Lohman.

In her obituary, her family said they are inviting friends and family to pay their respects as they remember her "bright and loving personality."

Visitation will be held on Sunday from 2 to 4:30 p.m., and again later that evening from 7 to 9:30 p.m. A Mass in her honor will take place at the Saint Frances Cabrini RC Church in Coram on Monday at 11 a.m.

"Ashley’s memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who loved her, as we celebrate the beauty she brought into our lives during her cherished years," her obituary read.