Mayor Brown Statement on Upper Darby Student's Passing

Statement from Mayor Brown on the Tragic Death of Zahkir Whitfield 

March 24, 2025 

It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that I share our community is mourning the tragic loss of one of our own, Zahkir Whitfield, a sophomore student at Upper Darby High School, who was shot and killed on Saturday, March 22, 2025, in Philadelphia. 

First and foremost, I want to extend my heartfelt condolences and prayers to Zahkir’s family, friends, and classmates during this unimaginably difficult time. Our hearts are with them, and with all who knew and loved Zahkir.  

This devastating incident is, heartbreakingly, part of an all-too-common pattern of violence affecting our youth. As a community, we must come together to grieve, to support one another, and to reaffirm our commitment to creating safer spaces and educating our youth and people of all ages that violence is not the answer.  

We urge anyone with information related to this incident to come forward and help bring justice for Zahkir and his family. 

Let us come together as a community to honor Zahkir’s memory, support one another, and take real action toward peace and safety for all our children. 

Statement from the Upper Darby School District: 

“We are aware that an Upper Darby High School student was shot and killed in Philadelphia Saturday afternoon. We know local news outlets have reported some information as to the background of what may or may not have occurred. At this time, we can only report that there is an ongoing police investigation into what actually took place. Please join me in keeping all involved in your thoughts and prayers. We will have district resources available in our schools on Monday (March 24th) for our staff and students who may need to speak with someone from our pupil services team.” 

— Edward Marshaleck, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Upper Darby School District 

The district is also sharing resources to help families discuss this tragedy with their children. You can find helpful guidance from the National Association of School Psychologists and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia at the links below: 

• Talking to Children About Violence – NASP 

• Tips for Parents – CHOP 

Let us come together not only in grief, but in a renewed sense of responsibility to protect and uplift every child in our community. 

– Mayor Brown 
 Upper Darby, Pennsylvania