<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=2q5GQu_0wPldz0f00" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=2q5GQu_0wPldz0f00" width="1242" height="738" ></figure>The Collier County community is mourning the loss of Benjamin Cronin, a young student who died Oct. 19, following a choking incident at school.In a statement Friday, Collier County Public Schools expressed its condolences and announced that counseling resources are available to help students and staff cope with the tragedy.CCPS clarified that it cannot disclose medical information regarding students due to privacy regulations but assured families that emergency response teams and health care services are available at all school sites.Family friend Melissa Grahonya, who organized an online fundraiser, shared information on Cronin and the incident. Cronin reportedly choked on food during lunch and was unable to recover from the injury.Grahonya shared that he was a compassionate and kind child, known for his love of hugs and playing with others."When discussing Darth Vader, the Emperor, Kylo Ren, Voldemort and other villains while we played with Legos, he said they should follow Jesus and be kind," Grahonya shared of Cronin online.Grahonya encouraged the community to contribute to the fundraiser, which will help cover funeral expenses. Any additional funds will go toward an organization the Cronin family chooses that aligns with Benjamin’s spirit of love and kindness.In a letter to parents, Benjamin’s school principal encouraged families to speak with their children about the loss, offering resources to help students process their grief.“Children experiencing the loss of a loved one or friend will often be frightened or overwhelmed,” the principal wrote.To honor Benjamin’s memory, the school held a moment of silence.This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Collier County student dies after choking incident; support pours in</div></body>

Mountain View, CA

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Community mourns loss of Collier student following school incident

The Collier County community is mourning the loss of Benjamin Cronin, a young student who died Oct. 19, following a choking incident at school. In a statement Friday, Collier County Public Schools expressed its condolences and announced that counseling resources are available to help students and staff cope with the tragedy.