VANCOUVER, Wash. — The community of Skyview High School in Vancouver is mourning the unexpected loss of a student athlete, William "Liam" Sloan. He was a junior and a member of the football team.
Skyview Principal Andy Meyer revealed Sloan's death in a message to families late Friday morning. According to Meyer, Sloan passed of natural causes in his sleep.
"He was a junior this year and a valued member of our football team and learning community. He was a great friend, teammate and classmate to all who knew him and will be deeply missed," Meyer said. "Tragic events like this can be very difficult to process. We all have different reactions and emotions in these situations, and that is ok. What is important is that we respect and support one another and give both ourselves and our community grace as we process this grief."
Skyview would have staff and additional counseling support available for both students and staff in the school's career center, Meyer said.
"If you’d like to talk to someone, please come by the career center or talk to a trusted adult in the building. We will make sure someone checks in with you," Meyer continued. "Following a tragedy, it’s expected that our students may experience signs of grief. This may look like tearfulness, shock, withdrawal, and perhaps anger. It is important for those experiencing grief to talk about their feelings and to reach out to our admin or counseling team if you need support."
Skyview High School's football team memorialized Sloan in an Instagram post Friday, saying they'd lost one of their brothers.
Skyview High School's varsity football team plays at home against Richland High School on Saturday at 4 p.m.
