Dear St. Francis Community,

I am saddened to report that the Jesuit community has suffered another loss with the death of Jennifer (JJ) Fox, mother of sophomore Max Diepenbrock and Ava Diepenbrock. She is also aunt to sophomore Declan Fox, sophomore Thomas Fox, freshmen Ben and Gavin Vernekoff, and junior Sam Vernekoff. Max’s sister, Ava Diepenbrock, is a senior at St. Francis High School.

Jennifer and her friend died in a plane crash on Friday afternoon.

With hearts still heavy from the tragic loss of Luke Felsted ‘24, we are aware that many in our community, especially the sophomore class at Jesuit and the senior class at St. Francis, will be particularly impacted by this loss and in need of loving support. 

Please keep the Fox, Diepenbrock, and Vernekoff families in your prayers, and may they find comfort and solace in the Lord.

Sincerely,

Elias Mendoza
Principal/Interim President