Zane D. Rupert, 12, of Butler passed away on October 13, 2023 as the result of an auto accident along with his grandfather David Faulx.

The Knoch School District is providing counselors to help Knoch Middle School students deal with the sudden death of their classmate, 12-year-old Zane Rupert.

Zane died along with his grandfather, David Faulx, in a car crash Oct. 13 in Winfield Township.

Counselors, social workers and mental health specialists are providing counseling to those students and staff who need it, according to David Foley, district superintendent.

In addition, on Wednesday afternoon, Oct. 18, the district sent out a letter to parents advising them to watch for signs that their children may be having trouble coping with the situation. The letter also gave parents a list of other counseling professionals to seek help.

“We have seen a number of students requesting the assistance of our counseling staff, and we are pleased that they are being proactive in seeking help,” Foley wrote. “There are likely other students who are having difficulties yet not seeking help or talking about their feelings.”