A community united in grief as word spread of the death from heart failure of a 16-year-old Mahwah High School junior.

A funeral service was scheduled this coming Tuesday for Marcus Kayal, a dedicated Class of ‘21 student and soccer player at Mahwah High School who responders said suddenly went into cardiac arrest and died early Friday.

"This sudden passing leaves our school community truly saddened. Our thoughts and prayers are with our dear friends, our colleagues and our students," Mahwah Schools Supt. C. Lauren Schoen wrote in a notice to parents.

Marcus’s parents, George and Deborah, are teachers in the district. His brothers -- Jordan, James, Michael and Joseph – all were graduated from MHS.

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A GoFundMe page was established to help the family cover funeral expenses: Marcus Kayal Remembrance. Any remaining money will go to the American Heart Association and New Jersey Sharing Network, they said.

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Visitation is from 1 to 5 p.m. Monday, Dec. 30, at Van Emburgh-Sneider-Pernice Funeral Home, 109 Darlington Ave., Ramsey.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Tuesday at St. Ann Melkite Catholic Church in Woodland Park, with interment to follow at Maryrest Cemetery in Mahwah.

Mahwah High School's library media center will be open for students who need additional support from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday, Schoen said.

"We extend our sincerest sympathies and condolences to all members of the Kayal family," Mahwah Mayor John Roth said. "You will be in our thoughts and prayers as we begin the New Year. It is hoped that time and precious memories will help to heal the pain of this great loss."

Donations may be made in memory of Marcus to the NJ Sharing Network or the American Heart Association.

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