Hamish Fenton, an eighth grader at Rye Middle School, has passed away.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of Hamish Fenton, a member of the 8th grade class and a friend to many in our school community,” said an email sent by Superintendent Tricia Murray on Tuesday night. “Our thoughts are with the Fenton family during this heartbreaking time. We know that this loss will be deeply felt by students, staff, families, and all who knew Hamish.”
In September 2023, Fenton was diagnosed with Nut Carcinoma, a rare cancer with just 200 cases reported worldwide. The Fentons, who moved to Rye from their native Australia five years ago, left no stone unturned in their efforts to research, learn about, and fight this rare disease.
The community rallied around Fenton’s fight. When he had to shave his head before chemotherapy treatments in 2023, his older brothers on the Rye football team, Jagger and Archer, followed suit, sporting buzz cuts of their own. The trend then spread further, as 200-plus students at the high school and middle school shaved their heads.
Last year, the city and Westchester County declared March 27 “Hamish Fenton Day” in Rye. The distinction, which was made official by the Rye City Council, was bestowed on Fenton on his 13th birthday, and he was in attendance for the recognition.
Thanks to Fenton’s impact on the local community, a polar plunge in February 2025 raised $25,000 for cancer research. That was preceded by a late January blood drive, “The Hamish Strong Blood Drive,” organized by his older brother, Archer.
Tuesday’s email from Murray, which was also signed by Rye Middle School principal Nick Clair, Rye High School principal Andrew Hara, and Midland School principal Jim Boylan, said, “As students learn of this news and process this loss, we are committed to surrounding them with care and support. School counselors, psychologists, social workers, administrators, and other mental health professionals will be available at Rye Middle School, Rye High School, and Midland School today and in the difficult days ahead.”
Throughout the week, the district said it will offer support resources in the iLabs, School Counseling Suites, and other designated spaces as needed. In addition, BluePath service dogs will be available to provide comfort and support.
“We know we speak on behalf of the entire RCSD community in extending our deepest condolences to the Fenton family,” said the email from Murray. “During this difficult time, we will continue to care for one another with compassion, sensitivity, and strength.”
