Community in Mourning: Little Ferry Mayor Requests Official Information Following High School Student’s Death
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Little Ferry NJ, A cloud of grief has settled over Bergen County following the heartbreaking and sudden loss of a young resident.
Little Ferry Mayor Mauro Raguseo, alongside public safety and school officials from neighboring Ridgefield Park, has issued an appeal to the community for information while calling for dignity and respect for the grieving family.
The tragic incident occurred on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, when local police responded to an emergency call on Challenger Road. Officers discovered a female high school sophomore fatally injured.
While the investigation remains open, the Ridgefield Park Police Department noted that preliminary information indicates the death is not criminal in nature. Local leaders have since confirmed the loss as an apparent suicide.
Mayor Raguseo: “Our Small Community With the Big Heart” Must Unite
In a statement released to the public, Mayor Raguseo expressed the collective heartbreak of the local area and issued a direct call to action regarding rampant speculation on social media.
“Yesterday was a tragic day for our community,” Raguseo wrote. “One of our young residents who was a sophomore at Ridgefield Park High School died by apparent suicide. We mourn her loss and offer our sincere condolences to her family and friends. I know that our ‘small community with the big heart’ will once again come together to help this family in any way we can.”
The Mayor heavily stressed the importance of routing information through official legal channels rather than digital spaces:
“We ask that anyone with any information that can help answer any questions or confirm or debunk rumors that are rampant on social media to go directly to the Ridgefield Park Police Department and the Ridgefield Park High School administration. As we all look to find answers, let’s do it in a way that respects the privacy and dignity of the family that is suffering unspeakable loss. This cannot happen again.”
Regional Leaders Pledge Support and Preventative Action
Because the student resided in Little Ferry but attended high school in neighbouring Ridgefield Park, administrations from both municipalities are working in tandem to support students, faculty, and families.
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| LOCAL EMERGENCY RESOURCES & CONTACTS |
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| Mental Health Crisis Hotline | Call or Text 988 (24/7) |
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| Youth & Teen Specific Help | PerformCare New Jersey |
+-------------------------------+-----------------------------+
| Official Investigations Unit | Ridgefield Park Police Dept |
+-------------------------------+-----------------------------+
| On-Site Crisis Counseling | Ridgefield Park High School |
+-------------------------------+-----------------------------+
Officials in Ridgefield Park released a joint statement echoing the commitment to student safety and long-term prevention:
“As we continue to learn more about the circumstances surrounding this tragedy, we are committed to working closely with our schools, public safety officials, and community partners to understand what steps can be taken to help prevent something like this from happening again. Our focus must remain on compassion, support, and thoughtful action.”
To assist students navigating the sudden loss of a classmate, local schools have arranged for on-site grief counseling and mental health services. Additionally, a community vigil is scheduled to take place in Ridgefield Park on Tuesday afternoon to honor the student’s memory.
Where to Find Immediate Help in New Jersey
If you, your child, or someone you know is struggling with mental health, depression, or a personal crisis, support is available entirely free, confidentially, and 24/7. You do not have to carry this weight alone.
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National Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline instantly.
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Immediate Emergencies: Dial 911 or visit your nearest emergency room.
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PerformCare New Jersey: New Jersey parents can access specific behavioral and mental health services for children and teens through the PerformCare helpline. These services are available to state residents regardless of their current health insurance type.
A Note on Community Care: During this incredibly difficult period for Bergen County, please check in on your children, your friends, and your neighbors. Let us honor this young student’s memory by choosing kindness, shutting down social media rumors, and ensuring those who are hurting know exactly where to find help.
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