LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WHAS11) The sudden death of a student at Butler High School has left a solemn sadness at the school Monday afternoon as she is remembered by students and staff members.
The young woman who overcame so much, Jamesha Beard, was crowned homecoming queen just weeks ago. She died unexpectedly over the weekend.
There was something about Jamesha that everyone loved, and Butler remembered the girl who loved to smile by wearing her favorite color, yellow. Even the condolence cards for students to sign were yellow. Messages to the young woman who was quick with a smile or a dance move.
Principal William Allen said her smile was contagious. Students wrote 'God has gained another angel,' others 'RIP homecoming queen.'
When Jamesha was crowned homecoming queen a few weeks ago, she was decked out in her favorite color. It was a night to remember for not just Jamesha, but the students who elected someone so special.
In Jamesha's special needs class Monday they wrote in their journals about their classmate and friend.
Jamesha was born prematurely with something called goldenhar syndrome. She would overcome facial abnormalities and delays in development, but unfortunately, a sudden illness over the weekend ended her life. He mother said an autopsy is needed to determine the exact cause of death.
But students at Butler, like Jamesha's peer mentor and bet buddy Hannah Smith, her memory will live on. Hannah said Jamesha was one of the smartest people she knew and one you wanted to be around.
This weekend though her mother tells me a sudden illness would end her life, they'll conduct an autopsy to get an exact cause.
In the cafeteria a sea of yellow, from shirts to bows to ribbons, confirming the impact Jamesha had on the Butler community. The Butler Bears said they're family and will grieve together like family and get through this savoring that special night, that special moment, that special smile for a special queen.
Since so many students weren't aware of Jamesha's death over the weekend, they will wear yellow again tomorrow.
