Family Members, School Mourn Death of Wilde Lake High Freshman

A ninth-grader at Wilde Lake High School in Columbia died earlier this week following complications from a brain aneurysm, according to the school's principal, Restia Whitaker, who informed students' parents in a statement Tuesday afternoon.

Fletcher Harland-Dencklau passed away Sunday evening at Children's National Medical Hospital in Washington, D.C. His family had brought him to the hospital on Thursday, Feb. 3, Whitaker said.

"We shared this sad news with our students today," Whitaker said. "Our student services staff members were available throughout the day to support any students or staff who needed to talk about this upsetting news."

"Fletcher’s family has told us that his funeral will be held in Nebraska, where he lived before this school year," Whitaker said. "I am certain that you will join us in keeping the Harland-Dencklau family in your thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks ahead as they face this difficult time."

Whitaker's statement included advice to those coping with Harland-Dencklau's death:

"Whenever there is a death such as this, students, staff, and parents are struck by a wide range of emotions and a deep sense of loss. However, these emotions can be particularly difficult for young people to understand.  

"Situations such as these may create a variety of reactions, including sleep disturbances, temporary loss of appetite, anxiety or fears about personal health and safety or the health and safety of family members.  

"Young people may also use humor to deal with their feelings, and although this may seem unusual, it is a common coping mechanism. Some suggestions for dealing with concerns you may have about your child are discussed below.  

"You can also contact our Student Services staff at 410-313-6968 if you have further questions or concerns about your child’s reaction to this sad news.

• "Listen to your child’s story – Let your child know that you are available to answer any questions.  You may not have all the answers to their questions, but they will benefit from your attention.  Provide simple, accurate information in response to questions.

• "Encourage your child to express his or her feelings – Talk about your own feelings. Don’t be afraid to cry in his or her presence and share your own loss experiences.  It is okay to cry together and hold each other.

• "Talk to your child about your personal value system around death and loss – Discuss your family’s personal and/or religious beliefs about death.  Your child may be particularly anxious about the sudden realization that death ultimately happens to everyone and that death can come without warning.

• "Support your child and be patient with his or her feelings in responding to this loss – Spend extra time tonight to be with your child discussing the day’s events and processing them."