A school was left in mourning yesterday after the fatal stabbing of one of its students over the weekend.

Mount Saint Agnes Academy confirmed on social media that 17-year-old Ethan Arruda, who died despite life-saving efforts, was set to graduate from the school at the end of this academic year.

“Our MSA family are devastated at the loss of our beloved student, Ethan Arruda, Class of 2025,” the school said.

“This morning, our students, faculty and staff gathered to pray with Bishop Wes Spiewak to remember and honour Ethan. In such a difficult time, we seek comfort in our faith and our school family.

“Our counsellor has been joined at MSA by counsellors from other schools to support students and staff who are completely shaken by this senseless act. The counsellors will be on-site at MSA for the rest of the week to help students process this horrific tragedy.”

Principal Anna Faria-Machado urged the community to keep Ethan's family and friends in their thoughts and prayers, adding: “The MSA family are a warm and close-knit community.

“We are here for Ethan's family and each other with love and support."

Detective Chief Inspector Derricka Burns confirmed on Sunday afternoon that the teen died as a result of a single stab wound to the chest that took place in the midst of a party attended by between 50 and 100 people.

Ms Burns said: “Police were called to attend the scene around 12.15am, where they found the victim unconscious.

“He was taken to hospital and, despite immediate medical attention and life-saving efforts, Ethan succumbed to his injuries several hours later.”

Anyone with information is urged to call Detective Inspector Clifford Roberts on 717-0590 or e-mail croberts2@bps.bm.

Witnesses can also call the independent and confidential Crime Stoppers number, 800-8477, speak with officers they know or use the BPS Community Reporting Portal at portal.police.bm.

Michael Weeks, the Minister of National Security, described the death of the teenager as a “heartbreaking loss”.

“My deepest condolences go out to Ethan's family and friends during this unimaginably difficult time,” he said.

“No words can adequately express the pain and grief that comes with such a senseless act of violence.

“I strongly urge all witnesses or anyone with information related to this tragic incident to come forward and assist the Bermuda Police Service with their investigation.”

Geoff Faiella, the One Bermuda Alliance candidate for Devonshire East, said: “The senseless killing of 17-year-old Ethan Arruda in the Devonshire Bay area on Sunday morning is another tragedy that yet another local family must endure.

“As a father of two young children, I imagine daily what this young man’s family is now suffering and my heart breaks for them as it does for every mother and father whose child’s life has been cut short.

“Antisocial behaviour and violence are a plague on our streets. That there is such callous disregard for human life, as we have seen repeatedly this past year especially in our youth, is even more tragic when you think of the various publicly funded programmes that are supposed to be tackling the issue of youth violence.

“We should not have to live like this. Our children should be able to gather and have fun without the risk of never having a good time again.”

Mr Faiella called on the national security minister to detail plans to address the issue once and for all.

“Bermudians are tired of feeling unsafe in their own communities,” he added. “Our children shouldn’t have to pay the price for weak leadership on this issue.”

Chris Famous, the MP for the area, expressed his condolences to the family and friends of Ethan.

“The Devonshire community and specifically the Devonshire Bay/Rocky Bay residents are rightfully concerned.

“As always, we will work together to be there for each other.”

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