the staff of the Ridgewood blog
WESTWOOD, NJ — A wave of grief has swept through the Westwood community following the tragic death of a 12-year-old Westwood Regional Middle School student on Friday, July 25, 2025.
Neighbors, classmates, and families are coming together to support the grieving family during this unimaginable time. A Meal Train has been launched to help provide meals and emotional support, already raising more than $10,111 by Sunday morning, July 27. Volunteers have signed up to deliver meals between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., offering comfort in the form of kindness and care.
“It is with heavy hearts that we share the need to come together as a community for a family that is newer to Westwood and lost their 12-year-old daughter,” organizers wrote. “If you feel led to cook a meal, order a meal, or simply pray for the family, please do.”
A Message from Westwood’s Superintendent
Westwood Superintendent Dr. Patrick J. McQueeney shared an emotional message with families across the district:
“It is with deep sadness that I share news of a tragic loss involving a student from Westwood Regional Middle School. This heartbreaking news touches all of us, and during this incredibly difficult time, our priority is to care for and support our students, staff, and families in every way we can.”
Although school is currently out of session, the district is arranging counseling and mental health resources for students, staff, and families. Details will be shared soon to ensure everyone in the school community has access to the support they need.
Westwood Regional Middle School Interim Principal Mrs. Luisa Tamburri also urged families to check in with their children during this difficult time:
“Reassure them that it’s okay to be upset, and let them know they are never alone. If you feel your child may need additional support, please don’t hesitate to reach out.”
How the Community Can Help
The Meal Train created in honor of the family continues to accept donations and volunteer sign-ups:
👉 Click here to support the family
Community members are encouraged to help in any way they can—by providing meals, offering donations, or simply sending prayers and kind words to the grieving family.
A Time for Compassion and Healing
The loss of such a young life has deeply affected the entire Westwood school community. Teachers, classmates, and neighbors are leaning on one another for strength as they begin the difficult grieving and healing process.
“We remain committed to supporting our students and families as we mourn together and begin the journey toward healing,” Superintendent McQueeney emphasized.
Our hearts are with the family, friends, and Westwood community as they navigate this heartbreaking loss.
Join the new Saddle River Valley, Ramapo and Pascack Valley Communities Facebook group
https://www.facebook.com/groups/1931704860512551/
#news #follow #media #trending #viral #newsupdate #currentaffairs #BergenCountyNews #NJBreakingNews #NJHeadlines #NJTopStories
How about saying what happened?
It shouldn’t matter.
You dont matter
You dont matter
She committed something due to bullying
However it happened it is so tragic to lose a child – 😭😢😭💔💔💔
She was such a kind soul. She used to be my classmate and she genuinely made my day everyday during the school year. Rest in peace.
She was in my son’s kindergarten and first grade classes. I remember her desk was directly across from my son’s.
It is such a horrible tragedy.
Can someone say what happened ? Not nosy, I just get so upset and need to know why. Helps me cope