The following post was published online on May 16 with updates added the following week.
The Fairfield Prep Community mourns the loss of junior Jimmy McGrath and we extend our deepest sympathies to the McGrath family. Jimmy was a beloved student and athlete on the football and lacrosse teams, and will forever be a member of the Prep Brotherhood.
More than 1,000 people gathered at a private prayer service on campus Sunday, followed by a schoolwide service Monday morning where President Christian Cashman addressed the students, faculty and staff:
“I offer once again Prep’s loving condolence and embrace of the McGrath family. May the Spirit of healing peace and love enfold them, and may we be instruments of peace and healing in the days ahead. May God bless Jimmy McGrath, Class of 2023, forever a Man for Others, forever a Son of Fairfield Prep.”
Jimmy's life and memory were solemnly celebrated in the days following his death. During the lacrosse game between Prep and Shelton High School on May 18, the huge crowd all wore light blue, which was Jimmy's favorite color. Both Prep and Shelton students sat in the same section.
Jimmy was laid in repose at Egan Chapel on Thursday, May 19. During the calling hours, thousands came to pay their respects, including hundreds of Prep students, Prep alumni, community members and friends, with a line of visitors stretching from Egan Chapel to the Fairfield U. stag statue.
In the days following Jimmy's death, students and faculty had the support of the school’s leadership team, Jesuit priests, campus ministers, counselors from Prep and Fairfield University in helping with the grieving process during this tragic loss.
The livestream of Jimmy's funeral Mass can be viewed at www.fairfieldprep.org/mcgrath.
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