Principal Issues Letter Regarding Student Deaths

Principal Robert A. Anderson issued a letter to school families regarding the untimely death of two members of the high school family.

“It is with great sadness that I inform you of the death of Lucrecia Santamaria, one of our 9th grade students and Anthony Christensen, a former student,” Anderson wrote. “They died Wednesday evening in a car accident.”

. Another person was also killed – Chistopher Alcalde, 17, of Philadelphia.

“A sudden loss like this can have an effect on students,” Anderson added. “For that reason, we hope that you will listen to your son or daughter, as well as discuss with them their feelings and reactions to this tragedy. Sudden death of a young person is always painful to understand, and your adolescent may experience signs of stress.”

According to Anderson, signs of stress include:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Inability to concentrate
• Irritability
• Increased aggression
• Thoughts of death or dying
• Threats/statements about wanting to hurt themselves
• Hopelessness
• Isolation
• Withdrawing from normal activities and friends
• Guilt
• Fearfulness and worries
• Use of alcohol or other drugs

Anderson noted that counselors, social workers and additional mental health team members were available today and will continue to be available next week, as necessary. Those with concerns about their children should contact the guidance office at 215-750-2800 ext. 3217 or 3218 or after school hours please call Bucks County Children’s Mobile Crisis at 1-877-435-7709.

“I know you join me in extending our heartfelt sympathy to the Santamaria and Christensen families,” Anderson said.