Westover Elementary Issues Statement After Student's Death

SILVER SPRING, MD — Westover Elementary, the school attended by 10-year-old Andy Kim, made a statement Tuesday after the student died Monday in a possible murder-suicide in Colesville.

According to police, Andy Kim died in a local hospital Monday afternoon after the shooting that left 57-year-old Yong Mun Kim and his wife, 48-year-old Sang Yeon Kim, dead and a 22-year-old woman and one child in serious condition.

The school's principal, Audra Wilson, issued a letter Tuesday to students and family of Westover Elementary students, offering condolences and counseling services to the boy's friends.

The letter, in full, reads:

It is with deep sadness that I inform you that Andy Kim, a grade 4 student at our school, has died. The Westover community is heartbroken by this tragic news. For those of our students and families who knew Andy, we ask that you remember his creativity and gentle spirit. For those of you who did not know him, we ask that you understand our sadness and join us in keeping Andy's family and friends in our thoughts during this difficult time.

It is very difficult to face the loss of a young person. Counselors, school psychologists, and pupil personnel workers will be available to provide support to students and staff on Tuesday, September 18, and throughout the week. In addition, the counselor and I will be meeting with the fourth and fifth grade students in the morning. We have also attached to this letter some suggestions for talking to your child about the loss of a peer.

I know you join me in extending our heartfelt sympathy to Andy's family. When we receive word regarding funeral arrangements, I will share the information with you. Again, please do not hesitate to contact the school at 301-989-5676 if you have any concerns or questions.

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