LPSSMatters.com

[Richard Lukas ('79)]

Well for those of you that live in the Greater Toronto area, you will know what this message is about . And for those of you who don't , this is a very difficult message to relay to you . Here's what happened.
On Wednesday May 9, 2007 there was a rugby game at LPSS against Erindale. Towards the end of the game ( at approx 4:45 pm ), there was some sort of altercation on the sidelines ( this was not part of the game proper ). It is still not clear exactly what happened . The Erindale rugby player grabbed 15 year old LPSS student / rugby player Manny Castillo ( after they had been grappling )and threw him to the ground . Manny apparently must have landed very wrong .
Manny was severely injured and was rushed to Toronto's Hospital For Sick Children . He was given a zero chance for survival by doctors .
The Erindale player was apprehended by Peel Regional Police and would be awaiting more severe charges depending on Manny's outcome.
The next day , May 10, 2007 , I believe there were no classes at LPSS due to this incident. Everyone was in shock .That evening there was a candlelight vigil and prayers held for Manny on the field at LPSS with full media coverage. I personally wish I had attended . Manny's relatives from Mexico City, Mexico flew up to Toronto to be with him .
On May 11, 2007 at or around 12 noon it was reported by Principal Julie Hunt - Gibbons that LPSS student Manny Castillo had passed away from his injuries .
The family of Manny Castillo did not want charges brought against the Erindale player.
I went to LPSS immediately after work on Friday . There was a memorial set up at center field with LPSS jerseys , flowers and candles. There was another area of memorial (where the accident took place ) which was down near the end of the bleachers ( opposite the car park ) near a very big tree. That area had candles burning the night before and had scorched the grass and ground. The CBC mobile was packing up and there were still people present ( mostly young kids ) . One day they may go to LPSS and know what happened. There were two leaflets I found in the bleachers. Both were written by the Principal on Manny's death and how to deal with grief in this situation . One was addressed to Lorne Park Students and the other to Lorne Park Families . Grief councillors were to be present at LPSS on Saturday May 12, 2007 from 10am -2pm.
I think the LPSS Alumni should show support in this time of need.
Our condolences go out to the Castillo family .