Oxford, MI – April 5, 2025 — Oxford Community Schools is mourning the loss of a beloved staff member at Oxford Middle School. The individual, a janitor who worked behind the scenes to maintain the school, was found deceased in a secluded area of the building. Authorities have stated that the cause of death appears to be natural causes, though an official investigation is still underway.
Details of the Incident
The discovery was made when emergency responders were called to the scene after reports of an unresponsive person in a lofted area of the school. Upon arrival, members of the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) and Oxford Township Fire Department (OTFD) confirmed that the male employee, believed to be in his late 40s, had passed away. His identity has not been publicly released, as his family has not yet been notified.
Oxford Community Schools issued a statement expressing deep sorrow over the loss of the staff member, noting that his role at the school was not directly student-facing. He was not involved in student activities or classrooms, which has minimized any immediate concern for student safety.
A Valued Staff Member
Although the deceased was not directly involved with students, his contributions to the daily operation of the school were invaluable. Staff members and administrators have expressed their grief, remembering the janitor as a vital part of the school community. His hard work and dedication behind the scenes made him a well-respected member of the Oxford Middle School team.
In the wake of this loss, the district has activated a crisis response team, which includes counselors and mental health professionals to provide support to both staff and students. The team will be available starting the following day to help the school community process the emotional impact of the tragedy.
School Community Responds
Oxford Community Schools also urged parents to have open discussions with their children about the incident, ensuring that students have accurate information and the opportunity to express their feelings. This guidance was issued after concerns and speculations began to spread on social media. By addressing the situation head-on, the school district hopes to alleviate anxiety and provide clarity to all involved.
Despite the emotional weight of the situation, the district reassured the community that students were never in danger, as the area where the janitor was found was not accessible to students. The space has been secured, and there are no indications that any students were aware of the incident.
Moving Forward Together
This tragic event follows a difficult period for the Oxford community, which has faced significant challenges in recent years. In response, messages of condolence have poured in from both the school and the broader Oxford community, as people come together to support the family of the deceased and one another.
In the coming days, the district is expected to release more details, including plans for memorials or tributes to honor the life and contributions of the staff member. Oxford Middle School and the Oxford Community Schools district remain committed to supporting their community, maintaining a caring environment, and providing the emotional resources needed to help everyone cope with this loss.