Eagle Ridge MS announces 'unexpected' death of student

RIO RANCHO — An Eagle Ridge Middle School student has died unexpectedly, administrators announced the afternoon of May 13.

The school shared the news with the Eagle Ridge community in a post on Facebook but did not state the date of the student’s death nor the circumstances. The school also withheld the student’s name and any information about them out of respect for the family. Rio Rancho Public Schools spokesperson Wyndham Kemsley said he did not have more information beyond the school’s social media post.

“We extend our heartfelt sympathy to both family and friends for their profound loss,” the school administration said on Facebook.

The school encouraged others to “support your child during this time,” adding that it has developed a plan to help students and staff with their grief.

Eagle Ridge’s announcement is not the first time in recent memory that Rio Rancho Public Schools lost a student.

• Cleveland High School student and JV baseball player Owen Pagano, 16, was pronounced dead from a Cochiti Lake boat accident March 29.

• Former Rio Rancho High School student Adrian Maestas Jr., 15, died of a gunshot wound to the head Nov. 1, 2024, just days after an incident near Rainbow Dog Park.

• Rio Rancho High School student and runner Jason Padilla Jr., 16, was killed by a drunk driver in May 2024.