ENGELHARD – The Engelhard community is grieving following the passing of Kendrick Hakeem Rickard, a sixth-grade student at Mattamuskeet School, who peacefully departed this earthly life on Thursday, August 28, 2025, at his home.
He was surrounded by the love and comfort of his family. At this time, funeral arrangements for Rickard remain incomplete. The Rickard family, together with People’s Funeral Establishment of Washington, N.C., will announce final service details once plans are finalized.
In the meantime, expressions of sympathy and condolences may be shared with the family through the funeral home’s website at peoplesfuneralest.com, by fax at (252) 940-6889, or by email at peoplesfh219@gmail.com. Friends and loved ones may also honor Rickard’s memory by sending flowers or planting a tree in his name through the funeral home’s floral program.
News of Rickard’s passing spread quickly through the Hyde County community Thursday afternoon, leaving classmates, teachers, and neighbors in mourning.
Mattamuskeet School officials released a statement expressing their sorrow and extending heartfelt condolences to the Rickard family.
“It is with heavy hearts and great grief that we regret to inform our school community that a student in sixth grade at Mattamuskeet passed away today,” the statement read. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the student. We ask for prayers and strength in this time for our students, staff, and school community as we process this loss.”
The school also announced that a crisis response team will be available on campus beginning Friday, Aug. 29, to provide counseling and emotional support to students and staff coping with the tragedy. Administrators said they are committed to helping the school community work through the grief while honoring Rickard’s memory.
Community members described Rickard as a bright, kindhearted young student who brought joy to those around him. Many are turning to prayer and acts of compassion to support his family and each other during this time of loss.
“Services of Love & Compassion have been entrusted to People’s Funeral Establishment of Washington, N.C.,” the funeral home said in its announcement, asking the public to continue keeping the Rickard family in their thoughts and prayers.
Further details about memorial services and tributes will be shared as soon as they are available.
