DUTCHTOWN — The flag was at half staff on Wednesday at Dutchtown Middle School as students came together to mourn the loss of Lailyn Lomas, the 13-year-old student who tragically passed away one week ago during a P.E. class. Funeral arrangements have been set, and the outpouring of support from students, staff, and the community reflects the deep impact Lailyn had on those around her.
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“I cannot even begin to explain how detrimental losing her has been to all of our DMS family,” one of her former teachers shared.
Wednesday afternoon, Dutchtown Middle School students gathered for a special tribute to honor Lailyn’s memory. In a poignant and emotional ceremony, the students released butterflies, symbolizing the beauty and freedom that Lailyn embodied in her short life. The butterfly release served as a collective farewell, allowing students to express their grief and remember the joy and positivity Lailyn brought to their school.
“Lailyn was such a dedicated singer who expressed incredible joy in her music. She gave unending support to her classmates and put her all into every performance, every rehearsal, every conversation. Her energy gave something beautiful to the DMS choir that I will forever be grateful for, and I miss her,” her choir teacher, Kylee McPherson shared.
The community has rallied around Lailyn’s family, offering support and condolences during this unimaginably difficult time. The upcoming funeral is expected to be a large gathering of family, friends, and community members who will come together to celebrate Lailyn’s life and offer their final goodbyes.
Monica Lomas, Lailyn’s mother, who shared the heartbreaking details of the day her daughter passed, expressed her deep gratitude for the love and support her family has received. “It means so much to us to see how much Lailyn was loved. She loved her school. She loved to sing. She loved helping people.”
As the community prepares for the funeral this Saturday, the memory of Lailyn Lomas will continue to live on in the hearts of those who knew her.
The funeral will be Saturday, August 24, at First Pilgrim Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. The viewing will begin at 12:00 p.m. and will continue until the 2:00 p.m. The service will begin at 2:00 p.m. with a burial to follow in Darrow, Louisiana. A repast, hosted by the community, will be held at River Parish Community College for family and friends of the Lomas family.
For those interested in contributing towards Lailyn Lomas, donations can still be made directly on the GoFundMe page, which has been linked on social media and shared by members of the Dutchtown community.
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