Statement on the death of first grader, Brandon Holt
It is with profound sadness that the Catholic community of St. Joseph Parish and School, Toms River, mourns the tragic death of six-year-old Brandon Holt, one of our first grade students and a member of our parish.

Brandon was an exuberant, energetic and happy student and was well-loved by all who knew him. His cheerful presence will be dearly missed by his classmates, friends and teachers.

We turn in our time of grief to the members of this school community, and to providing the support and assistance they need to cope with this loss. A team of counselors has been put in place and has already begun to work with students and teachers. Bereavement ministers will continue to work with all who are affected.

As members of a Christ-centered community, we rely on our faith as reason fails to make sense of the tragedy that took Brandon’s life. We join in prayer for Brandon, and, in a very special way, for his family in this difficult time. And we ask that God gently carry and support all who have been affected by his death.