Middle Township eighth-grader Malani Matthews (Courtesy of GoFundMe page)
The Middle Township school district in Cape May County is mourning the death of a 13-year-old student described as a “bright, loving and kind soul who touched the lives of everyone around her.”
Middle Township Superintendent of Schools Stephanie DeRose confirmed the death of eighth-grader Malani Matthews last week in a Feb. 27 letter to the school community.
”This is a heartbreaking loss for our entire school community, and we recognize that this news may bring a range of emotions and questions for students, staff, and families,” DeRose wrote.
“We extend our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences to Malani’s family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time,” she continued.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by Malani’s aunts, Tikisha Daley and Natasha Robinson, for donations to help her mother pay for the girl’s funeral expenses. As of Monday evening, the donations totaled nearly $27,000, more than double the initial fundraising goal of $12,000.
The cause of Malani’s death on Feb. 26 was not immediately disclosed.
“It is with a heavy heart that we share the tragic news of the passing of our beloved 13-year-old niece, Malani, who left us suddenly this morning,” Daley and Robinson wrote on the GoFundMe page on Feb. 26.
In a touching passage, they noted that Malani’s death has left everyone with a “heavy heart.”
“Malani was a bright, loving, and kind soul who touched the lives of everyone around her. She brought joy, laughter, and warmth to her family and friends, and her loss leaves a hole in all our hearts,” they wrote.
Any GoFundMe donation, no matter the size, will be deeply appreciated and will go directly to supporting the family during this time of need, they said.
“At this incredibly difficult time, the family is facing unexpected expenses related to funeral arrangements and healing. We created this fund to help ease the financial burden so our sister, Theresa, can focus on grieving and honoring Malani's memory,” they wrote.
In her letter to the Middle Township school community, DeRose wrote that the school district’s crisis intervention team has been providing counseling and emotional support for the students and staff members following Malani’s death.
“Their care, coordination, and presence have been instrumental in guiding the Middle School community through these first challenging days,” she said.
She also said the district is deeply grateful to Middle School Principal Jeff Ortman, along with his administrative team, for their leadership “during this incredibly difficult time.”
DeRose noted that the school district understands that children may respond to the loss of a classmate in different ways.
“Some may wish to talk, while others may show changes in mood, behavior, or focus. We encourage families to have open, age-appropriate conversations at home and to reassure children that it is okay to feel sad, confused, or upset. If you believe your child may need additional support, please reach out to your school counselor or building administration so we can assist,” she said.
Out of respect for the family, DeRose urged the school community not to speculate about Malani’s death or to share unconfirmed information on social media.
She said the school district is committed to ensuring that “all communication remains thoughtful, accurate, and centered on supporting those most directly impacted.”
“During times like this, the strength and compassion of our school community are especially important. We ask that you keep Malani’s family, friends, classmates, and teachers in your thoughts. Thank you for your care, sensitivity, and partnership as we work together to support our students and one another through this difficult time,” DeRose wrote in closing.
