Family and friends are mourning the loss of a 16-year-old high school student who was killed late Saturday night in Long Branch.

The Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office said police found 16-year-old Madison Wells suffering from stab wounds at a home a few blocks from her home, also in Long Branch. She was pronounced dead at Monmouth Medical Center shortly after.

Madison Wells, Facebook

A cousin, and authorities later Monday, identified the young woman as Madison Wells.

Wells' cousin said she had moved back to New Jersey a few years ago from Florida to be with her father after her mother passed away.

In a statement to the school community, Long Branch Superintendent Michael Salvatore said they will make grief counselors available at the high school and recommended those struggling with the loss take advantage of the services of the Traumatic Loss Coalition for Youth.

Salvatore - who did not name the victim - called her "an amazing young woman," and said the community will mourn this loss together.

❤🙏 My little cousin, you are beautiful.. I don't even have words to express. I am seeing so many people say how funny,... Posted by Jilly Frijoles on Sunday, September 9, 2018

Brittany Davis, Wells' former babysitter, told NJ Advance Media that she's known Wells since she was 3 years old.

"She was bright and full of love, and eager to learn," Davis, who still lives in Florida, said. "She's always had a kind heart."

Madison Wells, left, and her former babysitter Brittany Davis in 2006. (Handout photo)

Oh my heart. I'm in shock. Fly high Angel! I love you so very much, I always have and always will. RIP Madison Wells. 😭😭😭 — Brittany Davis (@Fl0w_er_0f_Life) September 9, 2018

A GoFundMe page has been set up to help Wells' family with funeral costs.

By Sunday morning, authorities had arrested and charged 20-year-old Bryan Cordero-Castro, 20, of Long Branch. The prosecutors office said Sunday that the two knew each other, but did not explain the nature of their relationship.

Wells lives on Cleveland Avenue in Long Branch, and she was found stabbed a few blocks away on Van Pelt Place.

The prosecutors office also said Cordero-Castro was living in the country illegally and is from Guatemala.

He is scheduled to appear before Monmouth County Superior Court Judge James J. McGann at 9 a.m. on Thursday, Sept. 13.

Paige Gross may be reached at pgross@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @By_paigegross