School mourns death of 14-year-old Romy

The J.H. Donner School in De Glind is adjusting its entire week program to help students adjust to the death of classmate Romy Nieuwburg. "The children were talked to in their classes this morning. There was a lot of sorrow, helplessness, but also togetherness and connection." school director Jan Hofman said to the press on Tuesday morning. He asked that the students' privacy be respected so they can mourn in peace, the Telegraaf reports.

"The hardest was to start without Romy in class", he said. "It's terrible, not understandable. Such a thing just should not happen."

Romy Nieuwburg was found dead in a watery ditch in Achterveld on Friday afternoon. She was killed in a crime, according to the police. The 14-year-old girl was attacked on her way from school to home in Hoevelaken. A 14-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of involvement in her death. The two knew each other through friends.

Hofman again stressed that Romy was a very engaged and loved student at J.H. Donner School, a school for kids with behavioral problems and who need extra emotional support. "This is a school for children who were hurt by life", Hofman said. "Romy was doing very well. She was successfully working towards her goals. She was a girl on whom others could lean for support."

The area around the school was closed down with tape, to keep press at a distance. The flag is hanging at half mast in the school square.