Alex Kinch, a junior at Mars Area High School in Butler County, Pennsylvania, has been tragically reported dead.

Kinch’s death was revealed in a statement from the Mars Area School District sent out Tuesday, October 22, 2024.

“Earlier today (Tuesday, Oct. 22), Mars Area School District was informed of the tragic death of Alex Kinch, a junior at Mars Area High School,” the statement read. “A young person’s death is always tragic and a sudden loss like this can have a profound effect on students. It is important that we recognize this loss and offer help. As this is a sensitive issue, we ask that you please talk with your child.”

Kinch’s cause of death was not explicitly stated but is believed to be an apparent suicide.

Alex Kinch played Varsity Soccer for Mars Area High as a sophomore, helping the team to a strong 11-3-1 overall record and 9-2-1 in Section 1-3A. The the ‘Fightin’ Planets’ made it the first round of the WPIAL Class 3A Boys Varsity Soccer Championship. The midfielder returned to the team as a junior as one of its key pieces.

He was also a junior firefighter for the Adams Area Fire District, where his father Chad served as a firefighter.

“The AAFD mourns the unexpected loss of junior member Alex Kinch,” a statement from the organization read. “Our deepest sympathies are extended to his parents, Chad and Aimee, his extended family, and many friends. Alex, your presence at the fire station will be terribly missed,”