Earl Giver Essien dies in fatal Great Barrington drowning
Fatal Great Barrington drowning death of Earl Giver Essien – Obituary
PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Earl Giver Essien, a student from Herberg Middle School, has been identified as the presumed drowning victim at Benedict Pond in Great Barrington last week.
Essien, who was set to enter the eighth grade this fall, was remembered for her bright personality and academic excellence.
At the start of Monday’s School Committee meeting, Superintendent Joseph Curtis shared reflections from the Herberg staff.
Faculty described Essien as an exceptional seventh-grade student whose “bright light shone brilliantly in every aspect of her life,” noting her “diligent adherence to rules, her structured nature, and her punctuality.”
“She was known for her strong and confident presence,” Curtis noted.
“Essien had a deep love for learning, driven by an unquenchable curiosity. She was always asking insightful questions and excelling academically.
A passionate advocate for justice, she championed herself and others with fervor. Her warm, kind demeanor made her a cherished member of the school community, beloved by her peers, teachers, and staff alike.”
Curtis also highlighted Essien’s deep affection for her family, as well as her love for art and music.
“Her infectious happiness and fondness for candy were well-known,” Curtis said. “Essien will be remembered by the entire Pittsfield Public School community as a bright, joyful spirit who touched many lives with her kindness and enthusiasm.”
He extended his condolences to Essien’s family and friends and assured them of the full support of Pittsfield Public Schools. The Essien family has informed the district that memorial services are planned for this week.
Great Barrington Police reported that first responders received a 911 call just before 2 p.m. on July 17 about a teenager who was missing in the pond’s beach area.
The victim was found unresponsive in the water before emergency personnel arrived. Several individuals helped remove Essien from the water, and CPR was immediately administered. Despite being transported to Fairview Hospital, lifesaving efforts were unsuccessful.
The Berkshire District Attorney’s Office is actively investigating the death.
Support services are available for the school community, and a fundraiser for burial expenses has raised nearly $20,000. The campaign notes, “Earl Giver Essien, affectionately known as Giver, age 13, was tragically pronounced dead after her school trip, a loss that has deeply affected her family.”
Fatal Great Barrington drowning death of Earl Giver Essien – Obituary PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Earl Giver Essien, a student from Herberg Middle School, has been identified as the presumed drowning victim at Benedict Pond in Great Barrington last week. Essien, who was set to enter the eighth grade this fall, was remembered for her bright…
Fatal Great Barrington drowning death of Earl Giver Essien – Obituary PITTSFIELD, Mass. — Earl Giver Essien, a student from Herberg Middle School, has been identified as the presumed drowning victim at Benedict Pond in Great Barrington last week. Essien, who was set to enter the eighth grade this fall, was remembered for her bright…