The Tragic Death of a Student Connects The Community Around Her.

The tragic incident unfolded at Centennial Elementary School in Arizona, where a 9-year-old girl named Arlette Encinas lost her life in a devastating accident. Reports indicate that a substantial metal gate at the school fell on Arlette as she valiantly attempted to secure it. Despite the swift response of local Pima County deputies and paramedics on Friday, November 17th, and their efforts to resuscitate her, Arlette succumbed to traumatic injuries at a local hospital.

In the aftermath of this heart-wrenching event, the community rallied together to support the grieving school and Arlette's family. The elected superintendent of the Flowing Wells Unified School District announced that counselors would be present at the academy to aid students and academic staff. Additionally, there was a temporary withdrawal of students from schools to ensure both their safety and mental well-being during this challenging time.

Despite the profound grief enveloping the school and Arlette's family, local authorities discovered no overwhelming evidence of a crime related to the incident. The sheriff emphasized, "At this time, no criminal violations have been identified." The absence of criminal intent, however, does seldom alleviate the pain of the loss suffered by the school and the Encinas family.

In emotional response to the tragedy, the community initiated a memorial for Arlette, adorning the school grounds with valuable items such as flowers, stuffed animals, and toys to honor the memory of the young student. The outpouring of emotional support manifested in various ways, providing solace amid the profound sorrow.

To generously assist with the funeral expenses, Arlette's family launched a personal GoFundMe page, adequately expressing their deep sorrow and commemorating Arlette as a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, and friend. The page reads, "Our beloved Arlette has recently passed away due to a horrific accident at her favorite place in the world, school. Arlette was a wonderful daughter, sister, granddaughter, and friend to many. She always touched the lives of those who were around her and had the biggest smile on her face and was cheerful at all times."

Remarkably, with the needed help of many compassionate donors, Arlette's family have successfully raised $30,823 within one month through the GoFundMe campaign. This financial support adequately reflects the community's collective effort to alleviate the economic burden on the grieving family during an undoubtedly challenging period.

In the face of unimaginable tragedy, the Centennial Elementary School community and Arlette's family find solace in the unity and kindness demonstrated by those who have come together to remember and support them during this terrible chapter.