Fergus Falls Community Mourning Sudden Loss of High School Student

Fergus Falls, Minn (KDLM) – Fergus Falls and the high school hockey community are mourning the sudden loss of a student.

Brayden Nelson, who was a junior at Fergus Falls High School, passed away unexpectedly earlier this week after taking his own life, according to a prepared statement from Fergus Falls Schools superintendent Jeff Drake.

“Compassion, empathy, and kindness are essential for both students and adults as we work through our grief and help one another to heal,” wrote Drake. “Please check in with your children. Ask them how they are doing and be willing to openly talk to them about their feelings.”

Nelson was a quarterback on the Otter Football team, as well as a standout player for the Otter Boys Hockey Team. 

The Fergus Falls Hockey Association Facebook page wrote: “As a tight-knit hockey community, let’s continue to lean on each other for strength as we navigate the minutes, weeks, and seasons ahead. To honor Brayden and show his family and friends love and support, please leave a hockey stick outside of your door tonight.”

Mental health counselors are on hand at Fergus Falls High School for students if needed. 

FULL STATEMENT FROM SUPERINTENDANT DRAKE:

Dear Otter Families,

It is with deep sadness that I write to inform you that one of our students, Brayden Nelson, has died by suicide. Brayden Nelson was a junior at Fergus Falls High School. Please keep Brayden’s family, friends, and our school community in your thoughts and prayers. The loss of one of our students is very painful. Compassion, empathy, and kindness are essential for both students and adults as we work through our grief and help one another to heal.

As a school, please know that we have the support in place to help our students deal with their grief. Our school counselors are available, as well as other highly trained mental health professionals from several community agencies. We are blessed with the support from our ministerial community.

Please check in with your children. Ask them how they are doing and be willing to openly talk to them about their feelings. Do not hesitate to send them to one of the many support resources we have in place at the school. Please know that we are here for all of our students and we are here for you.