LOUISA, Ky. (FOX 56) — Lawrence County school leaders shared the sad news on Sunday of the loss of a fifth-grade student.

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Gunner Stepp, a student at Blaine Elementary, faced “a long and courageous battle with illness,” Superintendent Katie Webb said in an announcement. “Our entire Lawrence County Schools family is heartbroken by this loss.”

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District leaders said they were grateful for the time they were blessed to have Gunner in their schools as well as in their hearts.

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“We especially lift up his devoted family—his mom and dad, his brother, and his sister—who have walked this difficult road with grace, faith, and unwavering love,” LCS officials wrote. “Their strength and their steadfast hope have inspired our community in ways that cannot be measured.”

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School leaders in Lawrence County asked the community to keep the Stepp family in their prayers over the days to come.