The Hamburg Central School District is mourning the loss of a kindergarten student. 5-year-old James Walsh was accidently struck by a vehicle as his father was backing out of the driveway on Thanksgiving Day.
Hamburg Central School District Superintendent Michael Cornell tells WBFO News extra counselors, social workers and psychologists were brought in to Union Pleasant Elementary School Monday to help students and faculty cope with this tragedy. Walsh attended the elementary school, which his two siblings also attend.
"We want to make sure that we wrap a blanket of support around the family, around his siblings, around the educators who worked most closely with him and make sure we attend to their needs in the coming days and weeks," Cornell remarked.
Walsh's teacher and school principal visited the family on Friday. Cornell said the child’s death has been "devastating” for his teacher.
The child's parents issued a statement saying James was born on Christmas and they know he is "with Jesus." They also expressed gratitude for the community's support.
A wake will be held Monday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Watermark Wesleyan Church. A funeral takes place at the church Tuesday at 11 a.m.
Cornell said entire school community is "heartbroken" for the Walsh family.
The following is wake & funeral information posted by the Loomis, Offers & Loomis Funeral Home:
WALSH - James R.
Of Hamburg, NY, November 22, 2018; beloved son of Patrick J. and Kathryn (nee Murphy) Walsh; loving brother of Vivianne and Nora Walsh; cherished grandson of Robert James & Anne (Sheehan) Walsh, Janice (Roth) Murphy and David (Carmen) Murphy; also survived by numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. The family will receive friends Monday 4-8 PM at the Watermark Wesleyan Church at McKinley (enter at door 3), 4999 McKinley Parkway, Hamburg, where funeral services will be held Tuesday at 11 AM. (Please use doors 6 & 7) Flowers are gratefully declined. Memorials to the James R. Walsh Memorial Fund, 4 Woodview Court, Hamburg, NY 14075. Funeral arrangements entrusted to LOOMIS OFFERS & LOOMIS, INC., HAMBURG CHAPEL.
