Lake Orion High student died on school trip to Houston, officials say

A Lake Orion High School student died last week while on a school trip to Texas, school officials confirmed.

"It is with deep regret that we inform you about a recent loss to our school community," Ben Kirby, superintendent of Lake Orion Community Schools, said in a Friday letter to parents in the district. "Today, Friday, April 19, one of our current high school students suddenly passed away. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to their family and friends."

High school officials said in an April 15 Facebook post that the school's robotics team was heading to Houston to compete in the FIRST robotics world championships, which began last Wednesday and ran through Saturday.

Kirby also said in his letter that the Lake Orion High School and the district will have a crisis team of professionals trained to help with the needs of grieving students and staff.

"We are saddened by the loss to our school community and will make every effort to support our high school students through this tragedy," the letter said.

The student was in Houston with members of the high school's robotics team, according to media reports.

The robotics team's official Facebook page posted the following message: "This has been an incredibly challenging time for our team and community, and we are grateful for the overwhelming support we've received," said a Sunday post on the Lake Orion Robotics FIRST Team 302 page. "We are prioritizing the privacy of the family right now and will share more when it is appropriate. Thank you for all your understanding and support. #MoreThanRobots #WeAreAllDragons#ProtectTheThunder."

Robotics teams and supporters from across the country expressed their sympathies and condolences in posts on the group's Facebook page.

"Sending our deepest sympathy and love to the parents and entire team, FIRST Team 302 community from RoboGym #3950 Glen Head, N.Y.," one commenter said.

Another wrote: "Thinking about your team during this very difficult time ... so sorry for your loss. Team 4020 Mom in Kingsport, Tenn."

cramirez@detroitnews.com

@CharlesERamirez