SCC closes school for funeral services following sixth-grader’s death

South Central Calhoun canceled classes Wednesday, Sept. 9, following the death of sixth-grade student River Casey. The district announced the schedule change Friday, Sept. 4, saying it would give students and staff an opportunity to attend funeral services and support River’s family and one another.

“To allow students and staff the opportunity to attend funeral services and support one another and the family, there will be NO SCHOOL on Wednesday, September 9, 2026,” Superintendent Brad Anderson said in a statement.

The district first confirmed the student’s death Sept. 2 and asked the community and media to respect the family’s privacy as they grieved.

“South Central Calhoun Community School District is deeply saddened to share that a sixth-grade student in our middle school community has passed away,” Anderson said in the earlier statement.

“Our thoughts and condolences are with the student’s family, friends, classmates, teachers, and all those who knew and cared for the student during this incredibly difficult time,” he said.

SCC notified middle school parents the morning of Sept. 2 that the district had learned of the student’s death the previous night. Parents were given the opportunity to decide how they wanted their children to receive the news.

The district also began providing support to students and staff affected by the death and said it would continue working with the family and school community.

“At the request of the family, the district will be limiting communication about this loss to those who need to know at this time,” Anderson said in the Sept. 2 statement. “We ask members of the community and the media to respect the family’s wishes and privacy as they grieve.”

In its Sept. 4 update, the district publicly identified River and announced the Sept. 9 closure.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with River’s family and loved ones,” Anderson said.

River James Casey, 12, was born Oct. 7, 2013, in Fort Dodge and was a sixth-grade student at SCC Middle School. His obituary described him as a “sweet, gentle soul.” River enjoyed reading, especially comic books, building LEGO sets, going to garage sales, tinkering, playing the saxophone and video games, and binge-watching TV. He cherished spending time with his brothers, cousins, and grandparents. The family has asked that memorial contributions be directed toward a future memorial for River.

Anderson thanked the community for its support as the school community mourns.

“Please continue to keep the family, River’s classmates, friends, and staff in your thoughts and prayers,” he said.