Valley Regional High School (VRHS) student Gavin Alden Collins, 16, died unexpectedly on July 23. As news quickly spread via social media in the days that followed, Tri-Town Youth Services (TTYS) and the Region 4 school district stepped up to make counseling support available over the summer break.

Collins, the son of Trevor and Tasha (Bernstein) Collins, was described as a gifted student who played several string instruments, was an avid reader, a PC gaming enthusiast, and a building engineering technologist.

“Gavin was the sweetest, smartest, and most wonderful insightful boy. His parents, sister, grandparents as well as his entire family are heartbroken with his passing. He will be forever missed by all who knew him,” according to his obituary.

“This is a tragedy that is having a profound impact to all in our community,” Superintendent of Schools Dr. Ruth Levy wrote in a letter to the community on July 24. “There is a tremendous sense of loss to all those who knew Gavin, his family, and friends.

“We know that this is a difficult time for many people. Therefore, we will be providing counseling support to anyone in our schools and communities free of charge,” the letter noted.

Counseling at VRHS was scheduled through last week, though later appointments could be made via Levy at rlevy@reg4.k12.ct.us, or VRHS Principal Michael Barile at mbarile@reg4.k12.ct.us.

“We are here to provide support for those who may have the need to talk at this difficult time,” said Levy.

Additional counseling support will be provided by Tri-Town Youth Services (TTYS) on Thursday and Friday, Aug. 3 and 4. TTYS counselor Melanie Meyer will be available all day Thursday, and in the morning on Friday. To take advantage of these services or for more information, members of the community should call TTYS at 860-526-3600.

TTYS Director Allison Abramson notes that another community resource for grief support is The Cove. Information about their programming and what they do can be found by calling 203-634-0500, or by visiting their website www.covect.org. They also provide online resources for families about broaching the topic of grief and how parents can support their children and teens through a difficult time. They can also be emailed at info@covect.org.

Collins’s services were private; memorial contributions may be sent to: Liberty Bank, 315 Main St., Middletown, CT 06457. Please make checks out to “In loving memory of Gavin Collins.” To leave online condolences for the family, visit www.maioranofuneralhome.com.