July 15, 2016

Dear Shipley Community,

Let me begin this very difficult letter by thanking each and every one of you who reached out to the Wylie family or to us at School and to all who were concerned about Austin’s welfare when he went missing on Wednesday. Although everyone was praying for a good outcome, I do not have good news.

Brooksley and Jim asked me to share that on Wednesday afternoon, Austin parked his car at Spring Garden and 5th Street and proceeded to jump off of the Benjamin Franklin Bridge. Although his body has not yet been recovered, the family thinks it is important for people to know that it has become evident that this is what happened. Honestly, there is no easy explanation for Austin’s decision; although there is no clear basis for why, a note to his family recovered by the authorities from his phone indicates that he was feeling significantly overwhelmed in the moment. Needless to say, the family is devastated and wishes more than anything that he had been able to get through the moment. We do as well.

From Austin’s first days here as a fourth grader, he developed a reputation as one of our most committed, talented, humble, and resilient students. Blessed with indefatigable integrity and an insatiable drive to do his best, he loved to learn and accomplished ever so much as a student, athlete, and person. Not one to bring notice to himself, he was a leader by example; he took full responsibility for anything that ever went wrong and did whatever he could to help those around him get better.

Symbolically, it was Austin’s impact on our soccer program that captured the essence of the difference he made everywhere. Perhaps the single most committed team player we have ever had, he always put the team’s needs before his own. When he was selected All-League and All-State this past year and captain of the 2016-2017 team, he refused to take personal credit for the accomplishments. In fact, when I congratulated him on being selected All-State, he nodded his head and said to me, “Dr. Piltch, I got selected only because the team made me look good. There were so many other players who were more deserving." Contrary to what he said, no one was more deserving; he played a major role in making the team League champions and the members of the team better people.

With Austin’s passing, the Wylie family has lost a wonderful son and brother, and everyone has lost a dedicated student, an extraordinary soccer player, and a terrific person. All those who knew Austin will remember him for his selfless approach to life and for doing all the little things that no one noticed in the moment.

As I write this letter, the Wylie family is making plans for a service. Once we know the plans, we will share them with you. In addition, we will work with the Wylie family and our students to develop an appropriate memorial service at School for the Shipley community. We will keep you abreast of the plans when they are made. 

In celebration of Austin’s life, the family has asked us to establish the Austin Wylie Memorial Fund here at Shipley. Money contributed to it will go to a specific cause to be determined over time.

Over the coming weeks, we will communicate about opportunities for our students to get together to talk about Austin, and we will have counselors in place to help people deal with their grief. And, as overwhelming as this may be for many of us, the Wylie family and we are particularly concerned about those who knew Austin best, his teammates and coaches, classmates and teachers, and others who worked with him and about those who may be facing their own challenges at this time. We will be communicating directly with students about opportunities for them (and their families) to get together as we process this terrible situation. Margaret van Steenwyk, our Upper School Head, will be in communication with Upper School students and families to outline specifics for the next few days. As you can imagine, we will continue to reach out over the summer and throughout the school year. If you or anyone you come across is in need of help, please seek whatever support is necessary. You will find links to resources at the end of this letter.

Although Austin is gone far too soon, we were privileged to have had him at Shipley. He epitomized all that is good about our School. I know you join me in sending your thoughts, love, and prayers to his parents, Brooksley and Jim Wylie, brother, Cameron '14, and grandparents and other family members. We will do whatever we can to help them through this process.

Thank you in advance for your ongoing support of the Wylie family and for being there for your own family, one another, and the community. Our ability to come together is what makes the Shipley community what it is. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact me. My thoughts are with all of you.

Steve


Grief Counseling List