PORTSMOUTH — Portsmouth High School on Monday announced the death of one of its students, Connor Peckham.

Connor was a longtime drummer in the concert and marching bands and a popular student at PHS. He was also the “mic man” for the school’s unified basketball team, which plans on honoring Connor during a home game against Tiverton at 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 3.

Connor passed away Monday while on a trip to Disney with the rest of the school band, PHS Principal Joseph Amaral stated in an e-mail to parents of students who were on the trip. (The band was due to arrive back in Portsmouth on Tuesday, April 2.)

In the e-mail, Mr. Amaral said his office worked with band director Ted Rausch and Disney Resorts "to have a crisis team on site at the All-Star Movies Resort this evening upon the group's return to the hotel. This crisis team is comprised of mental health professionals who are prepared to offer support during this time.

"Also, as students prepare to return to their hotel rooms this evening, chaperones, PHS staff, and this crisis team will be providing extra supervision to our students in light of this sad news during the course of the night."

Scott Sullivan, a former school resource officer (SRO) at PHS, acknowledged Connor’s passing on his Facebook page Monday. 

“I remember him as the first person I met as SRO when he came by for a tour and then saw him the first day of his freshman year,” Mr. Sullivan posted. “He spent a lot of time coming by my office and always brightened up everyone's day. We would joke when he got his new wheelchair and I told him I had to give a ticket for driving so fast, he was a NASCAR driver in that chair! Always a positive attitude and always thinking of others. Please keep this young man in your hearts and prayers.”

Mr. Amaral also sent out the following e-mail to the wider school community Monday night:

Dear Parents/Guardians:

I am writing to inform you with sad news regarding a Portsmouth High School student, Connor Peckham. Sadly, we were informed today that Connor passed away. Connor was a member of the band and well liked by his peers and the PHS faculty and staff. As our thoughts and prayers go out to the Peckham family during this time of sadness, I want to share information with you regarding plans to support students and staff during this difficult time.

You may find that your child may want to seek support or ask questions. A Drop-In Assistance Center has been established at PHS in cooperation with our local mental health agency and Portsmouth School Department mental health providers. The Drop-In Assistance Center will be available to provide mental health support to students and staff beginning tomorrow. Further information will be provided in subsequent communication regarding supports over the next few days. It is likely that your child may experience significant grief on hearing about Connor’s death and I encourage you and your child to come together with our school community, students, and staff during this difficult time.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time.

Sincerely,

Joseph Amaral

Principal