School mourns death of sophomore

Guidance counselors worked Tuesday at Fort Defiance High School with students grieving the loss of a sophomore who died Monday.

Principal Larry Landes called the death of Andrew W. Simmons, 16, a three-sport athlete who was active in Young Life, “a real tragedy.” Authorities said he was killed while cleaning his rifle. Foul play is not suspected.

“The day has been very subdued,” Landes said, describing Simmons as a “wonderful representative of our high school as a student-athlete.”

Simmons was a member of the football, track and wrestling teams.

Sgt. Aaron LeVeck of the Augusta County Sheriff’s Office said the incident occurred Monday afternoon in the 200 block of Freemason Run Road in Mount Solon.

The teen had returned from an outing and was in the basement alone, cleaning his rifle, when those in the house heard a shot, Sheriff Randy Fisher told NBC29, media partner of The News Virginian. The incident remains under investigation and an autopsy is pending.

Augusta County School District Superintendent Gary McQuain said counselors were sent to the school in the morning and teachers and administrators were told about Simmons via e-mail.

“We will work through the grieving process,” McQuain said.

Students will wear blue today in memory of Simmons.