Edgewood High School Student's Death Prompts Additional Counselors, Support

As news that a 15-year-old student was killed over the weekend, school system officials said extra support staff was working to support the community at Edgewood High School.

Melay Hernandez, 15, was fatally stabbed on Saturday night at her Edgewood home, according to the Harford County Sheriff’s Office.

“We understand that there will be a variety of emotions and responses to what has occurred,” according to a statement from Harford County Public Schools Monday.

Additional counselors, pupil personnel workers and school psychologists were on campus to support the Edgewood High School community, the statement said.

Hernandez was described as ”always smiling” and a popular student at Edgewood, WJZ reported.

In her memory, students at Edgewood wore black on Monday.

A 21-year-old man has been charged with murder in connection with the 15-year-old’s death and faces additional charges in the injuries of two others, the Harford County Sheriff’s Office reported.

Melay’s twin sister (Lizabeth Hernandez, 15) and mother (Maria Hernandez, 39) were also stabbed in the Saturday night incident, and the mother remains in critical condition at shock trauma, according to The Baltimore Sun.

Melay Hernandez was taken to Upper Chesapeake Saturday night, where she was pronounced dead, the sheriff’s office reported.

Counselors at Edgewood ”are speaking directly with students and staff regarding this tragedy and their personal reactions to the event,” according to the statement from the school system. “They have been and will continue to be available to provide support through this difficult time.”

On Twitter, hashtags sprang up in response to the tragedy: #ripmely and #prayforliz. See what students were saying Monday.

Related:

• Harford Sheriff Identifies Edgewood Teen Killed in Triple Stabbing
• Suspect Arrested in Edgewood Triple Stabbing
• Triple Stabbing Leaves One Dead, Two Injured in Edgewood

Harford County Public Schools issued the following statement:

On Saturday, the Edgewood High School community experienced the death of a student. Her passing has affected all of us very deeply, and our hearts go out to her family and to all of those who have been affected by her passing.

We appreciate the outpouring of support and understanding from the community as we focus our concern toward the well-being of our students as they learn to cope with this tragic loss. The most important thing we can do is to be supportive and encourage an open expression of feelings.

We understand that there will be a variety of emotions and responses to what has occurred. Additional counselors, pupil personnel workers and school psychologists have joined the staff at Edgewood High School. They are speaking directly with students and staff regarding this tragedy and their personal reactions to the event. They have been and will continue to be available to provide support through this difficult time.

We will try to maintain as normal a routine and structure as the situation allows. We know that you will join us in our concern and sympathy for the family and thank you for your understanding and support.