Libertyville High Reeling After 2 Students, Recent Grad Die Over the Weekend

It’s going to be an especially hard week back to school after the Thanksgiving break as students and staff at Libertyville High School are grieving the deaths of two students and one recent grad.

Junior Madeline “Maddy” McInerney, who participated in cheerleading, bowling and the best buddy program, died Friday after a long battle with glioblastoma--a series of malignant brain tumors that were first diagnosed in 2014, according to the Daily Herald. A 2016 graduate, Zachary Neir, died on Friday at his home from complications of Duchenne muscular dystrophy, according to his obituary.

Sophomore Fatima Durrani died on Saturday and funeral services were held on Monday, according to the Daily Herald. School officials were not releasing details into Durrani’s death.

A visitation and funeral service for Neir will be held on Wednesday. The visitation will be from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. at Crosslife Evangelical Free Church, 431 W. Austin Ave. in Libertyville. The funeral service will follow at 1:30 p.m.

Libertyville High School had a Crisis Intervention Team made up of professionals on hand Monday. The team is trained to help with the needs of students, parents, and school personnel mourning the deaths of the students, Principal Marina Scott said in a letter to parents.

The school also has social workers and counselors available for any student who may need or want help or any type of assistance surrounding these losses. Parents were also encouraged to use any of the resources as well.

The high school also provided the following additional resources for parents;

• Understanding Your Adolescent
• Common Trauma Reactions
• Guidelines for Parents
• Understanding Your Teen’s Grief
• Willow House General Information

In addition to the student deaths, a retired worker in the school's drop-in computer lab, Maryjo Robbins, died on Sunday, according to the Daily Herald.

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