Dublin student dies at practice

Band member was a sophomore percussionist.

A Dublin Coffman High School sophomore who died “unexpectedly” during a symphonic band practice Monday night has been identified as sophomore Andrew Morales.

Dublin City Schools spokesman Doug Baker provided a copy of an email Coffman band director Jeremy Bradstreet had sent to parents and students Monday night.

“Words can not express the sadness that I have in informing our band family the news that one of our students passed away this evening,” Bradstreet wrote. “Andrew Morales, sophomore percussionist, fell ill during one of our concert band rehearsals. He was rushed to Dublin Methodist Hospital but unfortunately did not regain consciousness.

“Andrew was an amazing young percussionist with lots of talent. He marched in the bass drum line his sophomore year and was in the front ensemble his freshman year. Both years he was a valuable member of the Symphonic Band.

“I taught him private lessons for roughly two months and was able to get to know him most through this time. He was a determined young man that was extremely quiet. But through his work ethic, he showed me that he was a tenacious and strongwilled young man.

“Please keep Andrew and his family in your thoughts and prayers. Our sons, daughters and classmates will also need your help as well. Tomorrow we will have counselors on hand for any student that might need to talk with an adult. As we find out more information about any plans for Andrew, we will let you know.”

Principal Mike Ulring said the district’s crisis team would be at Coffman on Tuesday.

Baker also provided the email from Ulring on Tuesday morning.

“It is with a very heavy heart I share with you that Dublin Coffman has lost a member of its family,” Ulring wrote March 5. “One of our sophomore students passed away unexpectedly this evening at school while practicing with the Coffman symphonic band .... . ”

“Students and staff who need to speak with a counselor will have every opportunity to do so tomorrow, this week and beyond,” he wrote.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and all those affected by this loss.”