Fundraiser launched for family of Ventura teen
The unexpected death of a Ventura teen Tuesday brought condolences from school district officials and launched a fundraising campaign for his family.
Lucian Penn, 16, was a 10th grader at Pacific High School, the Ventura Unified School District said in a social media post. He had transferred from Buena High School, where an older sister recently finished studies. A younger sibling attends Anacapa Middle School, the district said.
'Lucian was enthusiastic about becoming a part of the PHS community,' said Assistant Principal Charles Cornwell in a statement. 'Despite only meeting recently, we quickly developed a strong rapport; he would greet me with a handshake and a brief hug whenever we encountered each other on campus. Lucian was an exceptional individual, brimming with potential, and he was eager to reconnect with his peers. His goal was to return to Buena High School for his senior year and graduate alongside his friends.'
The district's post added: "The details of his passing have not been shared with us, and we will respect the family's need for privacy at this time."
The Ventura Police Department was called around 4:30 p.m. Tuesday about a teen found not breathing in a public restroom at the beachside parking structure in the 500 block of Harbor Boulevard. The call came from the teen's friend, officials said. CPR was performed at the scene. The 16-year-old was transported to the hospital but didn't survive. There was no indication of foul play, authorities said.
Ventura Police Cmdr. Ryan Weeks said Saturday the department is still awaiting results on the cause and manner of death from the Ventura County Medical Examiner's Office.
A GoFundMe campaign for Penn's family had raised more than $17,000 toward a goal of $18,000 for burial and memorial costs as of Saturday afternoon. The campaign can be found at gofund.me/61aba5d3.
"At just 16 years old, Lucian had so much more life to live," the family wrote. "We were incredibly fortunate to share so many moments of joy, laughter, and love with him. His sense of humor and loving nature touched everyone who knew him, and we are heartbroken that we won't get to see him grow."
Ventura Unified officials said trained personnel are available for students who wanted to talk.
"Our hearts are with the Penn family, their friends, and the entire Pacific and Buena High School communities as we navigate through this difficult time together," district officials wrote. "Many VUSD virtual hugs go out to the Penn family, Lucian's friends, and teachers/mentors today."
This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Fundraiser launched for family of Ventura teen
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