Waltham High School community mourns junior who died over the weekend 

With additional reporting by LIAM O’BRIEN AND CHRISTIAN MAITRE

A Waltham High School junior died suddenly over the weekend, leaving the community in shock and mourning. 

“It is with a great deal of sadness and a heavy heart that I am informing you of the death of Ryan Shread, a member of the class of 2026,” WHS Principal Darrell Braggs wrote in an email sharing the tragic news. “As a school community, we express our deepest condolences to Ryan’s family and friends.”

Shread was a member of the football and wrestling teams. 

“Waltham Football is heartbroken to share the news of Ryan Shread’s tragic passing,” coach Sean Beckett told the Waltham Times. “Ryan was one of the most kind-hearted and hard-working individuals we have ever had in the program. May God bless Ryan, his family and the entire Waltham community. Ryan is impossible to replace and will be sorely missed.”

A gofundme account “supporting the Memory of Ryan Shread” has been established.

Organizers shared their memories:

“Ryan was kind, funny, determined, strong, and energetic. His teammates and friends remembered him by saying, ‘Ryan Shread was not only an athlete, but he was also a straight-A student and a great friend. Ryan loved football from a young age, and people loved to have him around. He was always cheering for his team and will be remembered for his love of the game. Most importantly, he will be remembered as an incredible human being. He was always the kid who was there for you when you just needed a little extra support.’

“Ryan was a mentor to younger players and will be remembered for his love of his dog, his family, football, and the kindness he spread. Ryan was a spectacular son, brother, friend and teammate.”

Over the next few days, counselors will be available to directly support students and staff at Waltham High School, Bragg said. This will include school based counselors, mental health professionals from local agencies and comfort dogs.

Braggs also shared information on organizations that can assist people coping with the loss:

·  Advocates at (781) 893-2003

·  Project Interface at (888) 244-6843

·  Samaritans at 988