Alexander Mackiewicz Obituary, Death – During a tragic incident on Wednesday morning, a pedestrian was fatally struck at an intersection in Highlands Ranch. Wendy Cegielski, speaking on behalf of her family, shared the heartbreaking news of the loss of her nephew, Alex Mackiewicz, a 13-year-old seventh-grader with a promising future.
The incident occurred at the intersection of Venneford Ranch Road and Highlands Ranch Parkway, where Alex was on his way to Mountain Ridge Middle School. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office confirmed the crash, which took place just before 7 a.m., with the driver remaining at the scene. Principal Alison Shanor expressed condolences to Alex’s family and friends, emphasizing the support available to students during this difficult time.
Full letter below:
DEAR MOUNTAIN RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL COMMUNITY:
I AM DEEPLY SADDENED TO SHARE THAT ALEXANDER (ALEX) MACKIEWICZ, A SEVENTH-GRADER AT OUR SCHOOL, RECENTLY DIED. THIS IS A TRAGIC LOSS FOR OUR COMMUNITY AND OUR HEARTS GO OUT TO ALEX’S FAMILY AND FRIENDS. THE MOUNTAIN RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL AND DOUGLAS COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT COMMUNITIES ARE SADDENED BY THIS LOSS. PLEASE KEEP ALEX’S FAMILY IN YOUR THOUGHTS.
DURING THIS PERIOD OF SADNESS, YOU MAY NOTICE A VARIETY OF REACTIONS FROM YOUR CHILD. YOU MAY FIND THEM UNUSUALLY TALKATIVE OR QUIET. THEY MAY ASK A LOT OF QUESTIONS, BE ANXIOUS, OR MAY WANT TO BE NEAR YOU MORE THAN USUAL. YOU MAY ALSO NOTICE NO REACTION FROM THEM. TEENS CAN EXPERIENCE A WIDE RANGE OF FEELINGS AND BEHAVIORS THAT ARE NORMAL WHEN DEALING WITH THIS KIND OF TRAGEDY. ANY OF THESE MAY BE SIGNS OF THE NEED FOR ADDITIONAL SUPPORT.
AS ADULTS, YOU ARE THE VERY BEST SUPPORT SYSTEM IN MEETING YOUR CHILD’S NEEDS. YOU CAN PROVIDE THE BEST EXPLANATION THAT FITS WITH YOUR VALUES AND BELIEFS, KNOWING THAT OTHER FAMILIES MAY SHARE THIS INFORMATION WITH THEIR CHILDREN, AND INFORMAL DISCUSSIONS MAY TAKE PLACE BETWEEN STUDENTS. YOU MAY WISH TO HAVE A FAMILY DISCUSSION TO TALK BRIEFLY ABOUT LOSS OF LIFE AND TO ACKNOWLEDGE ANY FEELINGS THAT MAY SURFACE. KNOWING WHAT TO SAY TO YOUR CHILD IS OFTEN DIFFICULT. WHEN NO OTHER WORDS COME TO MIND, A HUG AND ACKNOWLEDGING THAT THIS IS A DIFFICULT TIME FOR EVERYONE MAY PROVIDE COMFORT. IF YOU NEED ADDITIONAL GUIDANCE IN DISCUSSING THIS SITUATION WITH YOUR TEEN, PLEASE SEE THE ATTACHED SUGGESTIONS FROM OUR DCSD CRISIS TEAM.
THERE IS NO RIGHT WAY TO EXPRESS THE SADNESS, GRIEF AND CONFUSION THAT STUDENTS WILL FEEL WHEN THEY ENCOUNTER A TRAGEDY. STUDENTS CAN BE PARTICULARLY VULNERABLE IF THIS EVENT REMINDS THEM ABOUT ANOTHER LOSS OR SADNESS IN THEIR OWN LIVES.
IT IS NORMAL FOR A CHILD TO BRING UP THE TRAGEDY AFTER IT HAS HAPPENED AND OFTEN WHEN LEAST EXPECTED. OUR SCHOOL STAFF IS ALWAYS AVAILABLE TO SUPPORT STUDENTS AS NEEDED. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF YOU NEED ADDITIONAL RESOURCES OR SUPPORT.
SINCERELY,
ALISON SHANOR
PRINCIPAL
MOUNTAIN RIDGE MIDDLE SCHOOL
The family is now facing financial burdens, including funeral costs, estimated at around $20,000.