The Hays CISD is mourning the loss of 18-year-old Malik Marquez, who died unexpectedly last night while playing basketball with friends May 21.
“This is clearly very sad news for the Hays Rebel community and for his friends and family,” Hays High School Principal David Pierce relayed in a message to parents. “Malik was a member of the Hays High School Class of
2020, and was set to graduate this year.”
Pierce said that although they are not “physically in school,” there are crisis counselors available to talk with students and staff members who need support. “The loss of a friend or peer can trigger different emotional responses in teens,” Pierce wrote. “Please keep Malik’s family in your thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time. Our hearts are very heavy.”
Pierce said those seeking a counselor can school the Hays Hopeline or visit https://www.hayscisd.net/hopeline.
“Please If you are so inclined, stop and send a well wish, healing thoughts, prayer to this young man’s family,
a Hays CISD teacher posted on Facebook. “What should have been parties, family time and happiness is
replaced with unimaginable loss.”
