Olentangy students mourn the death of Braden Markus, sophomore who passed away

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Olentangy students are now mourning the death of Olentangy High School Sophomore Braden Markus.

“It just feels like a more gloomy environment,” Olentangy student Cole McIntyre said, “There is just a lot of people who are just more silent trying to grieve the loss of him.”

Markus passed away Sunday morning, but the school hasn’t said how he passed away. He was a running back and linebacker for the football team, wrestled, and played baseball.

Olentangy High School’s principal Rob Griffiths sent a letter out to families Sunday.

It is with great sadness that I share that Braden Markus, 10th grade Olentangy High School student, passed away earlier today. He was an athlete that his teammates and classmates loved. This is a tragic loss and our hearts collectively break in hearing this news. We will do everything possible to provide support to all who would like it.

“There’s a lot of people just going down to the spaces that the school set up for people just to do whatever they need to try and cope,” McIntyre said.

Monday night, students and family came together for a candlelight vigil to honor Braden’s life and the legacy he leaves behind.

“It’s really sad and upsetting but I was really surprised by just how many people showed up. I honestly think there was 500 if not more,” McIntyre said.

A gofundme page has been set up for the Braden Markus family. As of Tuesday around 4 p.m., more than $48,000 has been raised.