Darien Community Mourns Loss Of Student

DARIEN, CT — The Darien community is mourning the loss of Hayden Thorsen, a Darien High School Student who died this past weekend.

DHS Principal Ellen Dunn announced the news on Facebook Saturday afternoon. Grief counselors were made available to the community over the weekend, and DHS is operating under a two-hour delayed opening on Monday to allow for faculty members to meet before welcoming students back into the classroom.

During the day, small groups of students will be invited by grade to meet with their school counselors and other support staff.

"It is with unspeakable sadness that I am writing to share with you the tragic news of the passing of another beloved student at DHS. Our entire school community is shaken by this tragedy and we will need to support one another as we mourn this unthinkable loss," Dunn said on Facebook Saturday. "At this time, we cannot share further details and please know that our thoughts and prayers are with the family and community and we will do everything to support you during this time of deep sorrow and loss."

Further details about Thorsen's death have not been released. This is the third unexpected death of a DHS student over the last two months. Matthew McEvoy, 17, died on March 31. Last month, Henry Farmer, 16, died.

The DHS Junior Prom, which was scheduled for May 21, has been rescheduled for June 4, Dunn said. Additionally, the Next Generation Science Standards exam, required by the state of Connecticut and scheduled for juniors on May 25, will be rescheduled to June 2.

In response to requests from parents for additional guidance from experts regarding mental health, supporting bereavement and grief, Dunn said the school will offer a Zoom presentation from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. on Monday.

The speakers will be Chelsea McGee, (director of Mental Health, Family Centers/Center for Hope) Julianne Green, (manager of the Den and Grief Support, Family Center/Center for Hope) and Dr. Frank Bartolomeo (senior clinical advisor/sdolescent services at Silver Hill Hospital).

"We are holding Hayden’s family in our thoughts and prayers this evening," Dunn said on Facebook Sunday night. "We will surround our students with love and support and send a consistent message that they should share their feelings with others and reach out to any adult in their lives when they are concerned for a friend. If your child needs immediate support, please use the Mobile Crisis response number, 211, or call 911 in case of an emergency."

The Depot, a youth center in Darien, will also offer a program on mental health in teenagers on Monday night. More information can be found here.