"It is with profound sadness that I write this letter to let you know that one of our high school students, Javon Islam, passed away from a medical complication on the evening of Monday, May 22," said Dr. Patrick Sullivan, Superintendent of the Liberty Central School District in Sullivan County.
Javon, of Liberty, was a high school student when he died, officials said.
"Jovan Islam was a light, he shone bright in the lives of those who loved him," said Ronda Ottino who started a GoFundMe to help cover funeral expenses.
Jovan was described by Ottino as being "sincere, genuine, and loving."
She went on to say that at such a young age, Javon knew what it meant to be true to yourself and the ones you loved.
"As his family deals with their profound grief, we ask that if you have the ability to lessen this blow, please help to cover the cost of his services," she added. "There is no easy way to navigate the grief process, there are no words we can say to make it hurt any less, but we can and will help any way we can."
To date, the GoFundMe has raised more than $20,000 of a $23,000 goal. To donate, click here.
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