Oxford Mourning the Tragic Losses within the School District
The tight-knit Oxford and Lafayette County school communities are reeling from the recent tragedies that claimed a precious student and a beloved staff member within a short span. In a heartrending blow to the community, Bramlett Elementary School mourns the loss of seven-year-old student, Scarleth Daniela Garcia-Mendoza, while Lafayette Upper Elementary School is grappling with the untimely demise of their esteemed records clerk, Hailey Boggs.
Sudden Loss of Young Life
Tragically, it was announced that Scarleth Garcia-Mendoza lost her life in a vehicle crash on Highway 6 in Pontotoc County on Friday. The Oxford School District released a statement acknowledging the young student’s infectious joy and radiant smile, “If you knew Scarleth, you knew her beautiful smile and joyful laughter. We ask that everyone in our community remember their family in the coming weeks.” The accident occurred around 3:30 p.m., where the SUV Scarleth was traveling in veered off-road and rolled over, injuring three other passengers.
Valued Staff Member Remembered
The Lafayette County School District announced the passing of Hailey Boggs, a cherished member of the Lafayette Upper Elementary School’s staff. Boggs, who served as the records clerk, passed away unexpectedly this Friday. The district appreciated her ceaseless care for students’ happiness and well-being, “She always went above and beyond to ensure our students were happy and safe, often caring for their personal needs as well as their school ones. Her warmth and compassion will be sorely missed,” stated the district.
Mourning and Paying Respects
Members of the community have the opportunity to pay respects to both Scarleth and Hailey. Scarleth’s family announced visitation hours at the Iglesia Jerusalen Maranatha Church in Pontotoc from 4-8 p.m. on Saturday, July 20. The young girl will be laid to rest at Divino Paraiso Cemetery in her native Tegucigalpa, Honduras.
Hailey Boggs’ visitation will take place from 4-6 p.m. on Tuesday at the Coleman Funeral Home of Oxford. Following this, a service celebrating her life will commence at 6 p.m. in the chapel of the same venue.
Community Support
As the authorities and families deal with these untimely losses, community members have come forth to offer their outpouring condolences and support. Both the incidents have indeed left a void in the vicinity of Oxford. Reflecting on the depth of these losses, Oxford’s educational family prays for strength and peace for both families at this intense hour of grief.
In memory of these cherished souls, the community is urged to send thoughts, prayers, and support to the bereaved families. The coming weeks will indeed be a period of communal mourning and remembrance, as the Oxford and Lafayette County school districts attempt to come to terms with the devastating losses of these vibrant lives.
