Updated: LMS Community Shaken By Death of Seventh-Grader

Ledyard Schools Superintendent Dr. Michael Graner  said Monday that six counselors are at Ledyard Middle School today to help students who returned from the weekend to the news that a classmate, David Isbell, 13, had died Friday.

Graner said students have been meeting with counselors and spaces have been set aside at the school with art materials for students to make sympathy cards for David’s parents, family and friends.

In addition, Graner said a regular schedule of classes has been maintained. “We have learned from past experience that it’s helpful to maintain a normal school day for those students who find comfort in routine,” he said.

"He was just a happy-go-lucky kid who always had a smile on his face, and always cheered up the room," said school Principal Joe Chella. "We're seeing today from what all the kids are saying what a positive presence he was in our school. He just loved life."

Graner said the seventh-grader had been in school as recently as last Tuesday. “He was feeling well,” Graner said.

David was taken to Yale-New Haven hospital after becoming ill with what has been described by his mother as a bacterial infection. He died at the hospital.

Calling hours will be 6-7 p.m. Wednesday at St. Andrew’s Church, 310 Fort Hill Road, Groton. A memorial service will follow.

Graner confirmed Monday that as a precaution he ordered the entire school disinfected over the weekend. But by Sunday, after consulting with state and local epidemiologists and other medical authorities, he said is was confirmed that the illness was not contagious.

“I have a responsibility to the children and to the community to ensure that they are safe,” said Graner, who declined to disclose the exact cause of death. “I also have a responsibility to the parents to respect their wishes,” he said.

“I have been asked if this is in any way contagious, and the answer is no, it is not contagious. I can say that with 100 percent certainty,” he added.

Graner said the loss of one of Ledyard Middle School’s students is shocking.

"David was an exceptional young man who enjoyed science, playing in the school band, and karate," Graner said in a written statement on the school's website. "He will be remembered for his love of life, and his seemingly ever-present smile.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the Isbell family as they deal with this devastating tragedy," he said.

David's mother, Mary Martin Isbell, posted a brief statement on her son's Facebook page in which she said David died of a bacterial infection, and that he "fought it till the end."

Graner said the school’s Crisis Team consulted over the weekend with several medical officials, including the state epidemiologist, Ledge Light Health District officials, Dr. Peter Gates, the school medical advisor, and Karen Goetchius, director of Ledyard’s Visiting Nurse Agency.

He said the unanimous opinion from all the medical experts is that the illness associated with this tragedy is not contagious.

"We realize that the next several days will be extremely difficult for many children at Ledyard Middle School,” Graner wrote on the school website. “The staff of the school will remain vigilant regarding the needs of the children, and will provide a safe place for grieving students. Please contact the school if you believe your child or any other child might benefit from counseling."