JCPS Providing Grief Support Following Death Of Four Oaks Middle School Student

FOUR OAKS – Johnston County Public Schools is providing grief and crisis support to students and staff at Four Oaks Middle School following the death of 12-year-old Austin “AJ” Paradise.

Paradise, a seventh-grade student at Four Oaks Middle School, died following an ATV accident Sunday afternoon off Shaw’s Pond Road in southern Johnston County.

On Monday night, family members, classmates, friends and community members gathered in Four Oaks for a candlelight vigil in his memory.

Johnston County Public Schools issued a statement acknowledging Paradise’s death and expressing sympathy to those affected.

“It is with profound sadness that Johnston County Public Schools acknowledges the passing of a student at Four Oaks Middle School,” the district said. “The loss of a young life is heartbreaking, and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the student’s family, friends, classmates, teachers, and all those whose lives are impacted by this loss.”

The district said it will continue providing support and care for the Four Oaks Middle School community.

“We ask that the family be kept in our thoughts and prayers and that privacy be respectfully granted as they grieve this unimaginable loss,” JCPS said.

The school district said its leadership, student services team and other supporting departments provide additional assistance following tragedies involving students.

That support includes on-site grief and crisis services designed to provide immediate care, short-term intervention and longer-term recovery support for students, staff and other members of the school community.

Paradise’s death has prompted an outpouring of support from the Four Oaks community.

Monday night’s candlelight vigil gave those who knew him an opportunity to gather, remember him and support his family during the difficult time.