Students, Community to Wear Orange Thursday in Honor of Woodson Teen Who Died

Woodson High School in Fairfax is likely to be a sea of orange Thursday, as many took to social media Wednesday night asking all to wear the color in honor of .

Woodson Principal Jeff Yost alerted the Woodson community to Ethan's death Wednesday afternoon, sending out a statement that called him "a good student" and "well-liked by all who knew him."

Counselors from Woodson and Fairfax County Public Schools (FCPS) were on hand to try and help students absorb the difficult news Wednesday, Yost said.

Read the full text of Principal Yost's statement here.

Members of the community, both who knew Ethan and who didn't, took to Patch, Facebook and Twitter Wednesday as news of the teen's death spread, sending out thoughts about the loss of the well-liked student.

"There's nothing we can say that will ease your pain, but I just wanted you to know we are thinking of you," said one family to the Griffiths on Patch.

"Such a hard year for the Cavs," said a reader on Fairfax City's Facebook page, likely referring to the two other student deaths the school has faced in the 2012-13 school year - the loss of Bryan Glenn in October, and the loss of rising sophomore Cameron Kilby in early August, just before school began.

"Oh, no. Woodson has had more than its share of this over the last couple of years," said another reader on Patch. "My thoughts are with this young man's family and friends, as well as all of the students, teachers, and staff at Woodson. May each of you find comfort and uplift one another."

On Twitter, friends traded messages Wednesday evening expressing their sorrow over the loss of their fellow student and member of the Fairfax community, some agreeing to put together photo collections in Ethan's memory as a gift to his family.

"R.I.P. Ethan Griffith. ♥ Prayers from all, out to your family. You will be greatly missed," said Twitter user "ELISE."

"Giving my deepest condolences to the friends and family of Ethan Griffith," said Twitter user "Brittany."

Even students from other area schools were sending out condolences for Ethan, and encouraging others to wear orange in his memory Thursday.

"R.I.P Ethan Griffith. I didnt know you, but you went to the school that my dad teaches at," said one young Twitter follower, "Emily."

"Doesn't matter if you go to Woodson, wear orange tomorrow in honor of Ethan Griffith ❤," said Twitter user "Blondie."

The cause of Ethan's death has not been confirmed or released.

Did you know Ethan Griffith? Share your memories of him in the comments below.