The Willow Spring community is mourning the loss of a senior student following the death of 12th-grade student Isaiah Pulley on February 20, 2026.
The news was formally shared with families through a message from Principal Wade Martin of Willow Spring High School, who expressed deep sympathy for the student’s family, friends, and all those affected by the tragedy.
In his message to parents, Martin acknowledged the emotional weight of the loss and emphasized the importance of compassion, care, and unity during this difficult time.
He encouraged families to keep Isaiah’s loved ones in their thoughts and prayers, recognizing that the impact of such a loss extends far beyond the immediate family and reaches classmates, teachers, and the wider school community.
The school also shared resources available to support students as they cope with grief. Families were informed about community-based support services, including Transitions GriefCare, which provides free services to help young people process feelings of loss.
Additional counseling and therapeutic support is available through Alliance Health, which operates a 24-hour crisis line for individuals in need of immediate assistance.
The principal’s message highlighted that grief affects everyone differently and that reactions to loss can vary depending on age, personality, past experiences, and personal relationships.
Parents were encouraged to take time to listen to their children, create space for open conversations, and help them express emotions they may struggle to put into words. Reassurance, patience, and presence were identified as key ways families can support young people during this period.
Families were also advised to monitor any significant changes in behavior and seek help from school counselors or trusted community professionals if concerns arise.
Willow Spring High School confirmed that staff members will be available on campus to support students and provide guidance as they process the loss together.
Beyond formal counseling resources, the message emphasized the importance of community care.
Parents were encouraged to help their children find meaningful ways to express sympathy for the Pulley family, whether through kind gestures, messages of support, or attending memorial services with responsible adult guidance. These shared acts of compassion help foster a sense of unity and collective healing.
The school community expressed a commitment to standing together through this difficult time, reinforcing the values of care, empathy, and mutual support that define the Willow Spring environment.
Administrators and staff pledged to work closely with families to ensure students feel safe, supported, and understood as they navigate their grief.
As part of the Wake County Public School System, Willow Spring High School follows established guidelines for responding to student loss, focusing on mental health support, respectful communication, and community wellbeing.
These measures aim to protect students’ emotional health while honoring the memory of those who have passed.
The passing of Isaiah Pulley has left a deep impact on the Willow Spring community.
In this time of sorrow, the school, families, and local organizations are united in their efforts to provide comfort, care, and stability, ensuring that no student has to face grief alone.
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