Beloved student passed away Nov. 20
Photo courtesy of Colleen Shanahan
Freshman Devin Mitchell, who passed away Nov. 20 according to a Nov. 22 district email from Principal Schwarze.
December 3, 2020
Freshman Devin Mitchell passed away Nov. 20, according to a Nov. 22 email sent out to the student body by Principal Janice Schwarze.
“It is with great sorrow that I share the news that one of our students, Devin Mitchell, passed away suddenly on Friday. Our thoughts are with Devin’s family during this difficult time,” Schwarze stated in the email. “We know that whether or not you knew Devin, this news is painful.”
Mitchell’s godmother Colleen Shanahan created a GoFundMe Nov. 21 and it has accumulated over $27,000 in donations from over 500 donors in the last week.
“Our sweet Devin Mitchell, unexpectedly left the world last night. Devin was a wonderful son, brother, and friend who touched the lives of everyone around him,” Shanahan wrote for the donation page’s description. “Devin was passionate about sports and his family. He was happiest spending quality time with the ones he loved.”
Below are stories, memories, and messages from those who were close to Devin:
“He first came over when he was in third grade because he was best friends with my brother. I would watch them after school and, eventually, we started hanging out at football games and Scooby’s after school. He was the sweetest little boy I had ever met. Always asking if I wanted to meet him at Starbucks before school or if I wanted to run to Jewel on the weekends. We would go downtown to hang out at Fishel and the parking garage. He always had a smile on his face; my whole family adored that kid. He would sleepover almost every Friday in eighth grade and I would get a call in the middle of the night to come down and play Xbox with them. He was one of Luke’s first friends when we moved here. We all miss him and he will never be forgotten.” – Maddy Delgallo (12)
“I am Devin’s godmother and [Devin’s mother’s] friend since childhood. Devin helped anyone and everyone. He never took any money when it was offered to him. He was the sweetest, kindest, most sincere person anyone has ever met. He had the brightest smile and best laugh. He was truly an amazing person and will be missed beyond words.” – Colleen Shanahan (godmother)
“Devin Mitchell was a very special person in my life. He was one of my best friends. He was funny, nice, and the most caring person I’ve ever met in my life. He always had the biggest smile on his face and never ever failed to make me laugh. My favorite memories of him were when me, Devin, and a bunch of our friends would come over to my house after school and he was always the life of the party. He cared very much about the people that he loved. The fact that he’s gone leaves a hole in my heart. He was and will always be my person. It always makes me feel better to know that he’s looking down on me. I love you, Devin. You will never ever be forgotten. Fly high angel.” – Ashley Johnson (9)
“Devin and my brother, Cash, were close friends and played baseball together. He would be at my house quite a bit and was always a polite, funny, sweet kid. My family and I always loved watching him play baseball and having him over at the house. He has made a great impact on our lives, and we will miss his funny, caring, fun-loving spirit dearly. May he rest in peace.” – Ella Campbell (11)
“Devin was my best friend. We went to Starbucks in the morning before school in 7th and 8th grade and hung out a couple of times during the summer. We always FaceTimed and had so much fun. I have so many memories with him I can’t choose one. He was always so happy and making jokes. He was always making people laugh and smile. This is so hard for me; I talked to him every day. My message to everyone is to talk to someone if you’re ever thinking about negative thoughts in your head. Someone can help you out in some little way.” – Alana Lagiglio (9)
“Devin was always the kind of kid that if you were around him he’d find a way to put a smile on your face. I think that is what he was best at. He was a hard worker with a huge heart and a truly inspiring person. He will be missed.” – Cash Campbell (9, Montini)
Kendall nesbitt • Dec 4, 2020 at 2:46 pm
Devin, he always knew how to put a smile on peoples faces. All the conversations we’ve had all the FaceTime‘s he never fail to make me laugh and smile. You were like a brother to me, I taught me different things and told me what to do in certain situations and I’ll never forget that. You, cash Campbell, and Lucas Delgallo were my first friends when I came to DG. From the moment I met u I knew you were a special kid. LLD ?
Maddie Cremer • Dec 4, 2020 at 11:45 am
Devin was truly one of the funniest people I have ever met. He was in pretty much all my classes in 8th grade and a few this year as well. I looked forward to seeing every day in science at the end of the day. We would sit in the back of the room and just laugh. We even had to get moved away from each other a few times because we could never pay attention. Devin brightened every room he walked in to. I will miss him forever. Fly high, Dev. I can’t believe you our gone.
Riley Botha • Dec 3, 2020 at 8:06 pm
Devin was in a few of my classes in 7th and 8th grade and he was always a person I would look forward to seeing at school. He got along with everyone. And though some teachers may not have wanted to admit it, he was definitely a favorite of theirs as well. Devin could always brighten up a room whenever it seemed a little tense or quiet. And he definitely knew how to put a smile on your face. I never thought I would have to write something like this about devin, and it hurts me to know he’s gone. I’ll miss you Devin, and I know many others will as well. ❤️
Orlin • Dec 3, 2020 at 7:39 pm
Devin was my best friend. I met Devin when I was in fifth grade. He was my first friend and he was my best friend. He was like my brother. He was the best person to be around and every time he entered room everyone was immediately happy. He was core of the group and the leader he was amazing. I send all my prayers to his sister and his brothers and most of all to his mom.