LULAC Mourns the Tragic Death of Kendrick Castillo

Nation’s Oldest & Largest Civil Rights Organization Expresses Condolence To Family of Student Who Saved Lives During School Attack

Washington, DC - Sindy Benavides, Chief Executive Officer of the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), today issued the following statement following the death of Kendrick Ray Castillo, whose life was lost on Tuesday during a shooting at STEM School Highlands Ranch in Denver Colorado.

“There are no words which can fully convey during this difficult time, the sadness and pain we share with Kendrick’s parents, John and Maria, and so many others who loved him. From the abundant outpouring of love by those who knew Kendrick, millions throughout the nation and the world are becoming aware of a young man who despite his brief life, was and shall always be remembered in our hearts, as a very special human being.

It is unimaginable for us to know what we would do during such a terrible act of senseless violence. Yet, in those moments, Kendrick instantly and without thinking about his own safety, rose and acted selflessly by protecting and defending the people he knew. Through his actions he helped save the lives of his classmates even at the cost of his own. There is no greater love than this which one person can show for another.

As a mother and parent myself, I especially send my deepest and heartfelt expression of sorrow to Kendrick’s mom and father. I pray that they may find some comfort and peace knowing that the deep love and faith instilled in Kendrick overcame hatred at that decisive moment. May John and Maria take solace in knowing that through Kendrick’s example, we have been shown the true meaning of selflessness and that we can each confront and defeat evil by the God-given strength that exceeds even our own.”

The League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) is the nation’s largest and oldest civil rights volunteer-based organization that empowers Hispanic Americans and builds strong Latino communities. Headquartered in Washington, DC, with 1,000 councils around the United States and Puerto Rico, LULAC’s programs, services and advocacy address the most important issues for Latinos, meeting critical needs of today and the future. For more information, visit www.LULAC.org