Josue Nolasco, a thirteen-year-old Providence Middle School student, choked during his school lunch and died three days later. After the incident, the county sent out an email to the Providence Middle School community saying that they would like to commend their students during lunch. 

The original statement from the school read, “I want to share with you that a student required medical attention during lunch today,” the message began. “I would like to commend our students for their behavior during this time, and I hope that you will share with them tonight how proud we are of them.”A school official made a statement with members of the school saying that the parents of Josue have some things that they would like to share with the community.

“Good evening Providence Middle School Families, I apologize for interrupting your evening, but I have some important news to share and an important ask to make of you tonight. I am sad to share that we have learned that a 7th grade student, Josue Chavez Nolasco, has passed away. His parents shared this with us today and asked that I share this with you.

We will keep the family in our thoughts during this difficult time. If this is a discussion that you would like to have with your child in your home tonight, we want to be supportive of the conversation as you talk with your child to reassure and support them as part of the grieving process.

Attached are some materials that we use during times of grief. Please review these documents and use them as necessary with your child. We will have student support services staff members available at school tomorrow to assist students. Please call the school in the morning or email me tonight if you have updates about your child that we should be aware of for Wednesday.”

The parents only speak Spanish and were interviewed with a translator. Both say they are incomplete without their son. Karina Nolasco, Josue’s mother, says that he was a very innocent boy, who was very humble, good with people, and took great care of his sister.

Lee Harvey, Josue’s father, said that without him they are incomplete and in a way, empty. He says that it all has been very hard on everyone, especially them.

The school told students that the counseling team is available to students and staff who are struggling with grief. Josue is being mourned by the Nolasco family and everyone in their community.