The tightknit community is mourning the loss of the student known for his strong work ethic, positivity, and leadership.
The Peabody High School and wrestling communities are mourning the loss of 17-year-old Freddy Espinal, who died suddenly from a medical emergency while attending a wrestling practice on Sunday.
The sudden and tragic news of the junior’s passing reached Brooke Randall, the principal of Peabody Veterans Memorial High School, late Sunday night. Soon after, she broke the news in a message to students and faculty members.
“He was a kind, young man,” Randall said Tuesday in a phone call to Boston.com. “He was a talented student-athlete and had an infectious smile.”
According to Wayne Moda, Espinal’s wrestling coach, the medical emergency did not happen when Espinal was wrestling. The cause of his death is still being determined.
On Monday, the school had grief counselors, comfort dogs, guidance counselors, and adjustment counselors for any student or staff member seeking support. The school’s guidance counselors continue to be on hand.