The Penn Hills community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of Victor Adeleke, a 10th-grade student at Penn Hills High School, who tragically passed away on Thanksgiving Day. His death, confirmed by the Penn Hills School District in a public statement, has brought profound sorrow to students, staff, families, and all who knew him.
In an announcement shared on the district’s official Facebook page, leaders expressed overwhelming grief and extended their support to the Adeleke family. “Our entire school community is heartbroken by this tragic loss,” the district wrote. “We extend our deepest condolences to Victor’s family, friends, classmates and all who knew and cared for him. Losing a young member of our community is an unimaginable pain, and we grieve together as a district.”
Victor was known among peers and teachers as a bright, kindhearted student whose presence added warmth to everyday school life. His passing leaves a deep void across the halls of Penn Hills High School, where his absence will be felt by many who shared classes, conversations, and friendships with him.
As the school community begins to process the unimaginable loss, the district has confirmed that additional counseling and support services will be made available in the coming days to assist students and staff. Classes are scheduled to resume Tuesday following the Thanksgiving break, with mental health teams prepared to offer guidance, comfort, and space for reflection.
Superintendent John Mozzocio emphasized the district’s commitment to honoring the family’s privacy, referring the public to the official statement. School board president Erin Vecchio also shared words of condolence, calling Victor’s passing “a great tragedy” for everyone in the district and urging the community to hold his loved ones close in thought and prayer.
The district’s message concluded with a call for collective compassion: “Please keep Victor’s family in your thoughts as they navigate this incredibly difficult time.”
Victor’s passing is a devastating reminder of the challenges young people may carry silently. As the Penn Hills community unites in grief, they also unite in love—celebrating Victor’s life, mourning his loss, and supporting those who feel it most deeply.
If you or someone you know is struggling:
Help is available. In the United States, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support 24/7. You are not alone.
