RAYLAND — The Buckeye Local wrestling community is mourning the loss of one of its own following the death of freshman wrestler Bristol Crokie.

School officials confirmed her death in a statement posted by Buckeye Local High School on Wednesday evening. No further details have been made public regarding the manner of her death.

“It is with the heaviest of hearts that I share devastating news with our school community,” the statement read. “Tuesday, we lost one of our own. Bristol Crokie passed away, and our Panther family is heartbroken.”

In a separate message shared on the wrestling team’s social media, Buckeye Local wrestling coach Guy Nestor said the loss has deeply affected the team.

“The Buckeye Local wrestling family lost one of its own on Tuesday,” Nestor wrote. “The coaching staff and wrestlers are heartbroken.”

Nestor said coaches met with junior high and high school wrestlers to inform them of Crokie’s passing, calling it “one of the hardest things to do.”

“She proved so much this year, and I will always remember her for being the fighter that she was,” he said.

Crokie made history this season as the first female wrestler from Buckeye Local to compete and place in the Ohio Valley Athletic Conference girls tournament, earning a third-place finish. She also competed in boys tournaments and dual meets at the varsity level.

The school’s statement noted Crokie “blazed trails as a wrestler and football player,” highlighting her courage and determination.

According to Nestor, she accumulated enough points during the season to earn a varsity letter as a freshman.

Beyond athletics, school officials described her as kind and selfless.

“She was the kind of person who showed up for others and made our school better simply by being part of it,” the statement read.

Grief counseling services have been made available to students, and officials said additional information about memorial services will be announced at a later time.

“She will forever be part of our family,” the statement said. “Rest in peace, Bristol. You are loved. You are missed. You will never be forgotten.”