A 29-year-old pregnant special education teacher at Kendall Central School in New York, about 30 miles northwest of Rochester, collapsed in her classroom on Friday, March 8, after sending her husband a text message.
Courtney Fannon was eight months pregnant with her first child, whom the couple was planning to name Hadley Jaye. Both Fannon and her unborn daughter died later that evening at the hospital despite life-saving efforts.
Fannon, who was eagerly anticipating the birth of her first child in just four weeks, had just communicated with her husband, Kurtis Fannon. Luckily, there were no students in school that day since teachers were scheduled for staff development.
In her tenure at Kendall Central School since 2018, Fannon was known for her dedication and joy in teaching special education students. Nicholas Picardo, the district’s superintendent, highlighted her passion, and the positive atmosphere she created both in and out of the classroom. Fannon’s commitment to her students and her ability to uplift those around her with a smile and a friendly greeting were hallmarks of her character.
Matt Smith, a friend of the Fannon family created a GoFundMe page to raise funds aimed to assist the family during this difficult time. The campaign has raised almost $53,000. Smith’s heartfelt message on the page paints a picture of a home filled with anticipation for a new arrival, now overshadowed by profound grief.
The loss has left Kurtis Fannon facing the unimaginable task of navigating life without his partner, and their expected child. The couple, who had been together for a decade before marrying in August 2022, had been preparing for the arrival of Hadley Jaye, a moment that will now never come.
In memory of Courtney and Hadley Jaye, the Kendall Central School District closed its doors to students on the following Monday to allow the community to grieve and offered counseling services to students and staff affected by this loss.
A funeral mass was scheduled for Courtney and Hadley Jaye on March 16 at St. Vincent DePaul Church in Churchville, with the community coming together to remember and honor them.