Community Mourns Death Of 19-Year-Old Ridge High School Graduate

BASKING RIDGE, NJ — Bernards Township is mourning one of its own after a 2019 Ridge High School graduate Peter DeSalvo died over the weekend.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the DeSalvo family and the entire school community, there are no words for this devastating loss," said Nick Markarian, superintendent of the Bernards Township School District.

Markarian said the district is offering support for students and staff.

"We are supporting students (and staff) with our own counselors and additional staff from the Richard Hall Community Mental Health center," Markarian said.

The Richard Hall Community Mental Health center is part of The Somerset County Traumatic Loss Coalition.

DeSalvo, who was 19 had been attending Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut as a freshman.

"The Sacred Heart University family tragically lost a brother," said the Twitter account padre@SHU, which is affiliated with the college's campus ministry program. "May the angels lead him into paradise, rescue [him] and take him to the holy and eternal city."

A memorial service is planned for 12:30 p.m. Monday at the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, according to a Facebook post from Sacred Heart X-Men R.F.C., the school's men's rugby club team, of which DeSalvo was a member. The post described DeSalvo as "a cheerful freshmen who brought his all day in and day out on and off the pitch."

DeSalvo died Saturday in New York City after he jumped off the sixth floor of the Vessel, a new landmark in Hudson Yards on West 33rd Street, according to the New York Post.

If you or you know anyone who is struggling and needs help reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline or call 1-800-273-8255.

• See Related: Sacred Heart University Mourning Death Of 19-Year-Old Student

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