Rochester Mourns Loss of School of the Arts Student in Tragic Rooftop Fall
The Rochester community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of a 15-year-old student from the School of the Arts (SOTA), who died Monday night after falling from a rooftop in the city’s East End neighborhood.
First responders were called to the school building on Prince Street shortly around 11:30 a.m. for concerns about a suicidal student on the roof of the school building. According to police reports the girl "fell from an elevated position before first responders could make contact with her."
According to the Rochester City School District (RCSD), the student was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital but died Monday night.
“Our hearts are with the student's family, friends, and everyone impacted by this tragedy,” RCSD Interim Superintendent Demario Stricckland said in a statement. “The entire RCSD community expresses its condolences to the family. Losing a young life is always a profound tragedy.”
The tragedy has sparked an outpouring of grief across the city and a renewed call for community support for youth mental health.
RCSD says they are "making school counselors and the District’s Trauma, Illness, and Grief team available to support students and staff through this challenging time as they work through their feelings and grief."
In an official statement, Mayor Malik D. Evans expressed his sorrow, saying, “My heart goes out to her family and friends, and community members who were affected.” He urged those who are struggling to seek help, noting that the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline and the City’s Person In Crisis (PIC) Team are available around the clock for residents in need of emotional or mental health support.
To help students cope, the City’s Department of Recreation and Human Services (DRHS) has sent counselors to assist SOTA students who also take part in City youth programs, with continued support available through R-Centers. The Center for Youth also provides professional social-emotional counselors at these centers during regular hours.
Additionally, Evans announced that the City will host a Youth Mental Health and Substance Abuse Forum for ages 12–21 at SOTA on Saturday, April 12, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., encouraging youth and families to attend and connect with resources. Details on registration will be shared in the coming days.
City Council President Miguel A. Meléndez, Jr. also issued a statement, saying, “I am devastated to learn of the passing of a student at School of the Arts. We, as elected leaders, as advocates and as an entire community, must work harder to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all the youth in our city—and that begins with a renewed conversation around mental health.”
Meléndez emphasized the importance of connection and support, urging community members to reach out to the young people in their lives.
“Tell them they are loved, and that there are people all around them and all throughout this city who care for them,” he said. “The wellbeing of our students is of utmost importance.”
At SOTA, grief counselors and crisis response teams have been on-site since Tuesday morning. Students and staff gathered in small groups to process the loss, many laying flowers, candles, and personal notes at a growing memorial outside the school’s main entrance.
A candlelight vigil is being organized for Friday evening in the School of the Arts courtyard to honor the student’s life and legacy.
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