Rome Middle School Student Has Died
The school district has made counseling available following the death of 13-year-old student Daelyn Godfrey.
Updated on Sept. 29, 2026 in Secondary Education
Daelyn Godfrey, a 13-year-old student at Rome Middle School, passed away on September 23, 2026. In response to the loss, the school district has provided counseling services to support students and faculty members.
Why it matters
Schools often implement specialized grief support resources to help maintain stability and well-being for the student body during difficult periods of loss. These services aim to provide a safe space for the community to process their emotions following the death of a peer.
The deceased student was 13 years old. A celebration of life service is scheduled for October 4, 2026, at West Rome Baptist Church, where the family will receive friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. before the 6 p.m. service.
The players
Daelyn Godfrey
She was a 13-year-old student at Rome Middle School whose death prompted a community-wide response.
Rome Middle School
This is the educational institution where the student was enrolled and where counseling support services are currently being provided.
West Rome Baptist Church
This local religious organization is serving as the venue for the memorial and celebration of life services.
The details
Counselors and support staff are currently on-site at Rome Middle School to assist students and staff through the mourning process. The family has requested that those attending the upcoming memorial service honor the student by wearing hoodies.
Timeline
September 23, 2026: Daelyn Godfrey passed away.
October 4, 2026: The family receives friends at the church from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
October 4, 2026: A celebration of life service begins at 6 p.m.
Culture Shift
The mobilization of grief counselors in schools aligns with the National Association of School Psychologists' crisis response protocols. These standardized support systems represent a shift toward prioritizing emotional health and mental stability within the public education environment.
Students and faculty at Rome Middle School have access to on-site professional counseling services to assist with the grieving process. Residents planning to attend the memorial service should note the family's request for attendees to wear hoodies.
The takeaway
Communities often navigate loss by establishing clear avenues for collective mourning and professional mental health support. Participating in memorial services can be an important step for peers and staff to find closure while supporting the family of the deceased.
What happens next
A celebration of life service will be held at West Rome Baptist Church on October 4, 2026, starting at 6 p.m.
Further reading
For additional context on how the local district manages student support, visit the Secondary Education section.
