Cranbrook Community Mourns Loss of Student

Friends and Cranbrook classmates of Caleb Lei remembered the 15-year-old student for his positive attitude, musical gifts, and ability to inspire others in a swarm of online tributes and social media posts that continued to grow Friday.

According to reports, Lei is the student who died unexpectedly at the school on Oct. 5.

Cranbrook parent Paula Birnholtz told Downtown Publications that parents received an e-mail from Director of Schools Arlyce Seibert about the tragedy, and that he died of natural causes. Students at Cranbrook have told parents that Lei had a heart condition, the report stated.

"The school assembled the students and told them what happened to Lei, and cancelled all of the tests for the day, as well as providing counseling," Birnholtz told Downtown. "They did an excellent job."

Lei, whose family resides in Ann Arbor, was born in Livonia, but grew up in Troy, where he attended Boulan Park Middle School, according to his obituary on Desmond Funeral Home's website. He was an accomplished pianist and violinist, which was illustrated in several comments from mourners.

"Many great memories from Boulan Park Orchestra. Zachary will miss talking with you. Your family will be in our hearts and minds today!" the Lines family posted on Desmond Funeral Home's website.

Some classmates turned to Twitter to pay tribute:

"Rip caleb lei. You and your beautiful music will be missed," tweeted Julia Briggs (@jabriggsy3).

"Rest in Peace Caleb Lei. A friend and dear violinist," MICAH (@itsMicahG) wrote.

Others kept the entire Cranbrook community in their thoughts.

"Our thoughts and prayers go out to the friends, family and classmates of Caleb Lei. Rest in Peace. Stick together CK," tweeted CHIRPSQUAD (@CKChirpSquad).