Navigating Student Loss: Two Adapted Physical Education Specialist’s Perspectives

Authors

  • Linda Hilgenbrinck Denton Independent School District in Texas
  • Heather Katz Durham VA Health Care System

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18666/PALAESTRA-2025-V40-I2-13687

Keywords:

Death, dying, student loss, students with disabilities, adapted physical education specialist

Abstract

Adapted physical education (APE) specialists, as with others in the education ranks, become connected to the students on our caseloads, our sports teams, and in our classrooms. The tragic event of a student’s passing can be difficult to navigate for the educator and those who knew the student. The purpose of this article is to share our collective lived experiences as described through the vignettes of two of our students’ passings. Our experiences, advice, and resources are provided to assist others in facilitating their own path through the experience of the loss of a student.

Published

2026-06-22

Issue

Section

Feature Articles