Bishop mourns and calls for prayer following tragic death in Cumberland
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble.” -- Psalm 46: 1 (NLT)
It is with a heavy heart that I share the following news. Earlier today, a young man from Fort Hill High School in Cumberland was reportedly involved in a stabbing incident and lost his life. As a parent, my heart breaks for his family. As a faith community, we grieve and lift our earnest prayers for the Fort Hill student, his family and all who mourn this tragic loss. The death of a child is always hard to fathom, but circumstances such as those surrounding this loss are even more unsettling. The pain being experienced by his friends and classmates is palpable, especially so during this celebratory Homecoming weekend.
In times of extraordinary sorrow, the grief is often too deep for words. May we be present to, and for, one another in our suffering. We know that comfort will come later as God is always faithful; but for right now we weep with the Cumberland community and all of Allegheny County. May God’s grace be sufficient for you.
We also lift prayers for the family of the young man in custody. We do not understand the circumstances, nor do we have many facts, but God is present to all beyond our ability to comprehend.
Lord, in your mercy, hear our prayers.
Blessings and peace,
Bishop LaTrelle Easterling
Baltimore-Washington Conference of The United Methodist Church