The Paint Branch Community suffered a devastating loss on Friday, May 9th as 17-year-old freshman Josue Salomon passed away unexpectedly.

According to multiple reports, Josue, who came to Paint Branch in January of this year from Springbrook High School, did not have any specific illness or suffer any major injuries that could have led to his death.

This is the first such loss of a currently enrolled student ever at the school, and it sent surprise and sadness through both the school and the community. In a letter to students and their families the day after Josue’s passing, Paint Branch Principal Dr. Myriam Rogers commented, “The school community is saddened by this loss, and we are prepared to meet the needs of our students.”

In her letter, Dr. Rogers also noted, “I know you join me in extending our heartfelt sympathy to Josue’s family, friends and classmates.” Josue was laid to rest on Saturday, May 17th in Silver Spring.