Hinckley - A 13-year-old boy who was shot in what authorities say was a "tragic accident" at a Hinkley home and later died has been identified by the Highland Local School District.
According to a statement issued to parents Sunday night, Max Muzyczka was an eighth grader at Highland Middle School.
"Max was a good student, an athlete and had many friends," according to the statement. "His mom Julie is an active volunteer at HMS and past volunteer at Hinckley Elementary School. His older brother Jack graduated from Highland last year."
You can read the full statement below:
Dear Highland Parents,
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the death of one of our Highland students, (name removed), an 8th grader at Highland Middle School. The Hinckley Police Department reported late Saturday night that (name removed) was involved in a gun-related accident and has since passed away. Their preliminary investigation indicates that this was a tragic accident.
In a district of our size, we understand that rumors may begin to circulate, but we are requesting that any additional speculation or narrative not be spread out of respect for the (name removed) family.
(Name removed) was a good student, an athlete and had many friends. His mom (name removed) is an active volunteer at HMS and past volunteer at Hinckley Elementary School. His older brother (name removed) graduated from Highland last year.
Crisis counselors will be at Highland Middle School on Monday morning, and over the next several days, to help any grieving students and staff process this heartbreaking information. We will continue to assess the need for further support services to our students.
Expressions of grief can manifest in several ways. Please be aware if your child exhibits any of the following:
- Anxiety
- Appetite changes
- Fatigue
- Forgetfulness
- Frustration
- Irritability
- Lashing out
- Mood swings
- Nightmares
- Troubles concentrating
- Upset stomach
- Withdrawn
If you feel that your child would benefit from talking with our counselors or school psychologists, please contact your child's school office.
There really are no words of comfort for this type of loss. We ask that you pray for (names removed) and his entire family.
Police were called to the River Road home around 8:37 p.m. to reports of a shooting. Muzyczka was transported to an area hospital before being life-flighted to Cleveland MetroHealth Medical Center where he passed away from his injuries.
Crisis counselors will be at the middle school Monday and over the next several days.
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