Rachel Carson Principal Reaches Out to Families About Death of Student

The principal of Rachel Carson Middle School in unincorporated Herndon sent out the following message to RCMS families Wednesday afternoon regarding the death of one of its students, Bennett Rill, in a tragic accident Tuesday night.

Bennett was hanging out on the grounds at Fox Mill Elementary when he somehow came into contact with live electrical wires on the roof of the school, and died.

"Dear Parents and Guardians, 

I am greatly saddened to report that a student of ours – Bennett Rill – died last night in the tragic accident that occurred at Fox Mill Elementary.  

Bennett had just completed 8th grade at Carson Middle School.  He was an excellent student and well-liked by all who knew him, and he will be greatly missed.  Our thoughts are with the Rill family during this extremely difficult time. Three other boys were injured in the incident and two of them are also Carson students. 

As I mentioned in a previous communication, we have initiated support from the FCPS Crisis Response team to provide students, parents, and staff with information that would help them to cope with their feelings of sadness and grief. Special counseling services are being made available to anyone who may be impacted, and will continue to be available throughout the week.

A sudden death like this can have an effect on students. For that reason, we hope that you will listen to your son or daughter as well as discuss with them their feelings and reactions to this tragedy. We are taking every step we can to be responsive to the needs of our students and their families. Keep us informed if there are ways we can support you.

On behalf of all members of the school staff and students, we extend our deepest condolences to the Rill family and their friends.  My thanks to all who have expressed their genuine concern for the family and for your continued support of Carson Middle School.

Sincerely, 
Augie Frattali, Principal