Rockland student dies on class trip to Greece

ROCKLAND, Mass. (MyFoxBoston.com) -- A Rockland teen died Friday while on a class trip to Greece. 

Jared Quirk was a senior at Rockland High School and passed away after a medical emergency in Athens, according to the superintendent. The student was just walking down the street when he collapsed. They tried CPR, then rushed him to a local hospital where he was pronounced dead.

It's not clear what went wrong, but students first learned about the loss on social media and then began sharing their condolences.

"Thoughts and prayers with the students at Rockland High. It's been a tough year, Stay strong," @DalyJessica tweeted.

Kyle Scheim, Jared's friend, said, "He was definitely a funny personality. He had a great sense of humor."

It's been a tough year for Rockland students as this is the third senior they've lost. One senior passed away in the fall and another on New Year's Eve.

The superintendent acknowledged the difficult time his students have been having and tells FOX25 that the school always comes together and they will again.

“Now it's time to find ways to support students, staff, friends over the next few days and weeks,” he said.

Jared's grandfather spoke briefly to FOX25 Saturday, but did not want to go on camera. He said the family is not ready to talk about their loss, but are thankful for everyone's kind thoughts.

About 60 kids were on the trip, which began Thursday and included visits to Italy and Greece. The rest of the students plan to return home early.

Cox Media Group