Sierra Canyon School's Upper Campus in Chatsworth was in mourning Thursday after administrators confirmed that a student had died in a car accident earlier that morning. Classes continued, but the school canceled all events for the day so students and staff could grieve and so administrators could prepare additional on-campus support.
The loss hit classmates hard.
“He was a great guy, athletic, very smart, intelligent, and he just cared about you,” freshman Marquis Johnson said of his classmate, recalling how the older student had taken him under his wing.
The school told families it would not share additional details about the student or the crash, citing the family's privacy, and said its wellness director would be on campus Friday to support students, according to NBC4 Los Angeles.
Athletics Paused, Mission League Final Canceled
In a community where sports are a big part of daily life, Sierra Canyon shut down all athletic events for the day. That included the highly anticipated Mission League boys basketball final against Notre Dame, which was called off out of respect for the student who died. Ticket holders were told they would receive full refunds.
In a letter to families reproduced by Sports Illustrated, Head of School Jim Skrumbis wrote, "It is with a very heavy heart that I share the tragic news..." and said wellness staff and Upper Campus leaders would be available to support students and families.
Crash Reported in Malibu Canyon
Sports Illustrated reported that emergency crews responding to Malibu Canyon Road near Pepperdine found a Tesla that had tumbled roughly 30 feet down a cliff, and that a person inside was pronounced dead at the scene. Tow trucks, sheriff's deputies, and the county medical examiner were requested as part of the response while investigators examined the circumstances of the crash.
Family Privacy, Limited Public Details
School officials have not publicly named the student and have stressed that they will not release identifying information, asking the community to respect the family's privacy as they grieve. The confirmation of the student's death and the note about on-campus counseling support came from the school's message to families, according to NBC4 Los Angeles.
About Sierra Canyon
Sierra Canyon is an independent Pre-K through 12 school based in Chatsworth with a prominent athletics program and an Upper Campus that serves older students, according to Sierra Canyon School. The school notes that its leadership and wellness staff are resources for students and families during difficult times, and community members are being asked to give the grieving family space while authorities continue their investigation.
