CARTHAGE, Miss. — The Leake Academy community is grieving the sudden and heartbreaking loss of Ava Byars, a beloved student whose passing has left classmates, teachers, and friends in shock and sorrow.
School officials confirmed Ava’s death this week, describing her as much more than a student — a friend, a teammate, and a bright presence within the school family.
Known for her warm smile and kind spirit, Ava quickly became a cherished member of Leake Academy. Teachers remembered her for her academic dedication as well as the respect and positivity she brought into the classroom each day.
On the field, Ava was celebrated as a determined and encouraging teammate who consistently put others before herself. Friends and teammates alike described her as loyal, compassionate, and full of life — someone who could turn ordinary moments into lasting memories.
“Ava had a way of making everyone feel welcome and valued,” one teacher shared. “Her optimism and generosity of spirit will be deeply missed.”
The school community is now rallying together to support Ava’s family and one another. Vigils and tributes are being planned, offering students and staff a way to grieve collectively while honoring the life of a young woman remembered for her joy, kindness, and the connections she built.
In a statement, Leake Academy officials said:
“Words cannot fill the emptiness we feel, but we hope the memories we share of Ava will provide comfort in the days to come. Our deepest sympathies go out to her family, friends, and all who were blessed to know her.”
Though her life was tragically cut short, Ava’s memory will endure in the lives of those she touched — as a daughter, a friend, a teammate, and a shining light within the Leake Academy family.