Cumberland County Schools Extends Condolences to the E.E. Smith High School Community
Oct. 9, 2025
Cumberland County Schools (CCS) is mourning the loss of three E.E. Smith High School seniors: Jai’hyon Elliott, Trevor Merritt and Nicholas Williams, who were members of the Golden Bulls Football Team.
The Cumberland County Board of Education and CCS Superintendent Dr. Eric C. Bracy released the following statements.
Statement from the Cumberland County Board of Education
The Cumberland County Board of Education extends its deepest condolences following the loss of three E.E. Smith High School seniors—young men whose energy, potential and friendships made a lasting mark on their school and community. Our hearts ache for their families and school community who are walking through this unimaginable time.
We recognize that our schools are more than places of learning; they are families bound by shared experiences, hopes and dreams. When tragedy strikes, we feel it together. The passing of these students reminds us how deeply connected we are as one community.
We have been moved by the kindness and strength shown across Cumberland County. From heartfelt messages to quiet acts of support, our community continues to rally around the E.E. Smith family in remarkable ways.
We pray that the families and friends of these young men find comfort in the love that surrounds them and in knowing how profoundly their lives mattered to so many.
- Cumberland County Board of Education
Statement from Superintendent Dr. Eric C. Bracy on the Passing of E.E. Smith High School Students
Today, our Cumberland County Schools family is heartbroken. We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of three young men from E.E. Smith High School who passed away yesterday. All three were members of the Golden Bulls Football Team and were students, teammates and friends whose presence left a lasting impact on those around them.
From the four corners of Cumberland County and beyond, we join together to wrap our arms around the E.E. Smith community. We stand with their families, loved ones, classmates, teammates and school family as they grieve this devastating loss.
We are grateful to the first responders and medical professionals who acted with care and compassion, and to the many individuals, schools and organizations who have reached out and will continue to reach out in support of the E.E. Smith family during this difficult time.
In moments like this, we are reminded of the strength and unity of our community, and the way we come together to lift one another up when words alone cannot ease the pain.
On behalf of Cumberland County Schools, I ask that we continue to keep these families, the E.E. Smith High School community and all who are grieving in our thoughts and prayers in the days ahead.
- Dr. Eric C. Bracy
Superintendent
Cumberland County Schools
|
