Memorial Service To Be Held For Boy Killed At Franconia School

A memorial service will be held for the 9-year-old boy killed in an accident at Franconia Elementary School Friday. The service for Wesley Lipicky will happen Thursday, May 24 at 3 p.m. at All Saints Sharon Chapel, 3421 Franconia Rd., Alexandria, VA 22310.

His family has asked for donations to Penguins International, an organization dedicated to penguin conservation and research. "Wesley Charles Lipicky was a young penguin lover whose beautiful life was taken too soon, states a message on his donation page. "In lieu of flowers, his family has asked that donations be made to support penguin conservation and research. Wesley’s memory will live on through our annual work to protect penguins and monitor the environment."

A GoFundMe account has been set up for Lipicky's family. "Wesley was a 9 yr old healthy and active 3rd grader who loved school and hanging out with friends," reads a message on the page. "Our hearts are heavy for Wesley's family and friends."

Grief counselors are at Franconia Elementary School Monday to support students, families and staff. Principal Terri Edmunds-Heard shared the following message with families:

Dear Parents,

I am deeply saddened to report to you the death of third grade student Wesley Lipicky, who died late yesterday from injuries he received in a tragic accident that occurred in the school gym during SACC.

Any death is difficult for children to understand; Wesley’s death is particularly difficult due to his young age and its unexpectedness. If you and your family knew Wesley, I encourage you to talk about this. A team of Franconia support staff members including our counselors, psychologist, social worker and members of an FCPS crisis team will be available to support students, staff, and parents in the days ahead. The team will help our classroom teachers talk with students and handle their questions and reactions.

Children have different reactions to death. There is additional information with this letter that may help you as you talk with your child. Please contact the school if your child is having difficulty with the news, and needs an opportunity to speak to someone when school resumes.

Fairfax County Police are investigating the accident and we will be supporting them as they look into the circumstances that caused this terrible loss.

On behalf of all members of the Franconia community, our deepest condolences are with Wesley’s family and friends during this difficult time. We will miss Wesley very much. He was an endearing child whose bright smile and enthusiasm for school inspired the love of all who knew him.

Thank you for your support and understanding.

Sincerely,

Terri Edmunds-Heard, Principal

The Franconia Elementary School PTA also expressed condolences and said it was working with the administration to support the family.

Lipicky died after he was crushed by a room partition in the gym during the School Age Child Care program, police said. When the boy and a teached pressed a button to open a large, motorized room partition that splits the room, the boy was caught between the partition and a wall. He suffered traumatic head injuries and was pronounced dead at an area hospital Friday night. An autopsy ruled the death accidental.

No charges are expected, police said.

Condolence messages can be shared here.

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Image via GoFundMe