CHESTER, PA- March 26, 2024 - On March 26, the recovery mission for six-year-old Lin'ajah Brooker was officially called off. Our hearts go out to her family and friends as they navigate this incredibly difficult time.

Although Lin’ajah did not attend a school in our district, this tragic incident saddens the entire community. 

To provide support during this period of grief and uncertainty, CUSD is offering grief services to those in the school community who may have been impacted by the tragic event. While CUSD is on spring recess this week, anyone who needs support can use the resources below:

• Call 9-8-8 for mental health emergencies
• Text HOME to 741-741 to be connected with text-based crisis support
• Call the Delaware County Crisis Connections Team at 1-855-889-7827 for 24/7 mobile mental health support
• Peter's Place - https://petersplaceonline.org/contact-us/ (https://petersplaceonline.org/contact-us/) 610-687-5150
• Delaware County Department of Human Services - Mental Health https://delcopa.gov/health/mentalhealth.html (https://delcopa.gov/health/mentalhealth.html)
• The Dougy Center - Grief and Trauma support and resources (national organization) https://www.dougy.org/ (https://www.dougy.org/)
• Additionally, once students and staff return from Spring Recess on Tuesday, April 2, grief support services will be available at Chester Upland School of the Arts (CUSA) and Chester High School. If additional counseling services are needed, staff and families are encouraged to contact the counselors at each respective school.

We also encourage parents and caregivers to have open conversations with their children about this tragic event, and to reach out to us for any assistance or support needed.

We would also like to extend our deepest gratitude to all the emergency responders who swiftly responded to the situation and worked tirelessly over the past few days.

Again, our thoughts and prayers remain with the family and loved ones affected by this heartbreaking incident.