Xandria Mancuso Ravenna OH Death and Obituary – On May 7, the Ravenna community was rocked by the devastating news of the death of a fourth-grade student from West Main Elementary School. The young girl, whose name has not been publicly disclosed, tragically passed away the evening of May 7, following a fatal accident. The incident has left the local community in mourning, with school officials and community members quickly coming together to support those affected by the tragedy.
The Ravenna School District, under the leadership of Superintendent Ben Ribelin, swiftly responded to the emotional needs of students, faculty, and families. In a heartfelt message shared on May 8, Ribelin confirmed the passing of the student and reassured the community that the district was committed to providing necessary support during this challenging time. The communication emphasized the importance of addressing the emotional impact of the loss on the entire school community.
In the wake of the incident, the district took proactive measures to ensure that families were informed and that students received the necessary support. An email was sent out to parents and guardians, including those in the Portage County and Neighbors Facebook group, which detailed the tragic event and outlined the support services available to students. The email explained that the district had enlisted the Portage County Crisis Team to assist students and staff at West Main Elementary School, with the team beginning their work on May 8 and scheduled to return on May 9.
The district made it clear that the Crisis Team would be available to help students cope with the emotional toll of the loss. They were encouraged to engage in various activities designed to help them process their emotions and find a safe space to talk. Parents were also invited to request additional support for their children if they felt it was needed, further ensuring that the school environment remained a place of care and compassion.
Grief, especially in children, can be difficult to navigate, and West Main Elementary students, many of whom likely shared strong bonds with their peers, are facing a particularly tough time. The district’s message urged families to reach out for help if they noticed any signs of distress in their children, highlighting that counselors, teachers, and administrators were all working together to ensure no student faced this difficult period alone.
As the circumstances surrounding the student’s death remain unclear, authorities have confirmed that an investigation is underway. Portage County Coroner’s Office Administrator Wayne Enders reported that a child was airlifted to a nearby hospital, but further details have not been made available. The Summit County Medical Examiner’s Office has since taken over the investigation, and the community is awaiting more information as the investigation progresses.
In the absence of detailed information, many community members have turned to social media to express their condolences and offer support to the grieving family. The school district has also received praise for its swift and compassionate response to the tragedy, which has provided a sense of solidarity during an incredibly difficult time.
As the Ravenna community comes to terms with this heartbreaking loss, the district’s emphasis on unity and compassion remains central. The email sent to families concluded with a message of solidarity: “Our thoughts are with this student’s family and friends. Please don’t hesitate to ask for help.” In the days ahead, the grieving school community will lean on professional support, open communication, and a strong network of care to help students, families, and staff cope with the tragedy.