Washington-Lee High School’s 18-year-old senior, John Malvar, dies after a skateboard stunt
Eighteen-year-old senior who attended the Washington-Lee High School and the Arlington Career Center died Tuesday afternoon, following a skateboard stunt.
Arlington County Police reported that the student, John Malvar was riding his skateboard while holding on to the side of a pickup truck being driven by his 17-year-old friend. While traveling northbound in South Highland Street, Malvar lost control, fell and struck his head on the ground.
Malvar suffered a cardiac arrest before he was taken to the George Washington University Hospital. He was pronounced death shortly.
As a mark of remembrance, flags were lowered to half-mast at the Washington-Lee High School.
A letter signed by Gregg Robertson, principal of Washington-Lee High School and Nancy Opsut, the principal of Arlington Career Center was sent out to the parents on Tuesday.
The letter read:
“Regrettably, I must inform you that the injured student I mentioned in my earlier email has died. This is a difficult time for the Washington-Lee staff, students, and parents. The student involved was an incredible young man who contributed positively in many ways to our school and lives.
The upcoming days will be difficult ones as we will be missing him and providing support to our Washington-Lee family. Please let us know of any students who may need individualized support. We have counselors available this evening until 6:00 pm and in the days to come. As I mentioned earlier, our thoughts remain with the families involved.”
Charges are pending on the driver.
