'We are all devastated’: Brockton mourns loss of 4th-grader who died from asthma attack

BROCKTON — The Brockton community is mourning the loss of rising fourth-grader Davien Taylor, who died unexpectedly from an asthma attack on Tuesday, Sept. 3, according to his aunt, Krista Roberts.

Taylor died the day before what would have been his first day of fourth grade at the Mary E. Baker Elementary School in Brockton.

“Davien was a kind soul, who had the perfect smile and the biggest heart. He was respectful and loved by all who knew him,” Roberts wrote in a gofundme page set up to support his funeral expenses.

A community in mourning

“I am profoundly saddened to inform you of the passing of one of our students, Davien Taylor, a rising fourth grader at Baker," Interim Superintendent Priya Tahiliani said at Wednesday night's school committee meeting.

“He was known for his vivacious spirit and his ever-present smile. Principal (Jane) Werb said the light he brought to our halls will be sorely missed," she said.

Taylor was also a member of the youth football league the Brockton Raiders , where he was the starting tight end and a team captain.

“Davien was such an amazing kid,” said Brandon Newkirk, Brockton Raiders’ Vice President and Head Coach for Taylor’s fourth grade team.

“He was always smiling. His smile could light up any room. Even on the football field. Practices would be tough and hot, but Davien was always smiling and ready for the next drill. He never complained and always tried his hardest.” he said. “He made such a huge impact on his coaches and teammates. We are all so devastated."

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Support the Taylor Roberts family

Taylor’s aunt, Krista Roberts, started a gofundme page to help the family cover his funeral expenses.

“Please, if you can donate to our family at this time, it will be highly appreciated!” she wrote.

As of Thursday afternoon, 162 people had raised a total of $11,306 of the family’s goal of $15,000.

Balloon release and funeral services

A balloon release is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 7 at 12:30 p.m. at Arnone Elementary School, located at 135 Belmont St. in Brockton.

Attendants are asked to bring a purple balloon in memory of Taylor. Purple was his favorite color, according to Newkirk.

Funeral services have not yet been announced.

This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: 'We are all devastated’: Brockton mourns loss of 4th-grader who died from asthma attack