A high school teenager from Hudson, Florida, Ethan Daube, passed away unexpectedly in January 2025 shortly before he could walk across the graduation stage with his classmates.
The Fivay High School community in Hudson, Florida, is grieving his loss. Ethan Daube is survived by his parents, Melissa A. Fifth, and his brother, Chris Selig Jr., and extended family.
Ethan was set to graduate with the Class of 2025; however, sadly, his life was cut short.
During the recent graduation ceremony, the school honored Ethan and other students who had passed away. In his memory, they left an empty chair, decorated with a yellow bouquet, a graduation gown, and a cap—symbolizing the milestone he didn’t get to reac
Recently, during the 2025 graduation ceremony, Fivay High School paid an emotional tribute to Ethan and other students who had passed away.
In his memory, they left an empty chair, decorated with a yellow bouquet, a graduation gown, and a cap—symbolizing the milestone he didn’t get to reach.
In his memory during graduation, they left an empty chair decorated with a yellow bouquet, a graduation gown, and a square academic cap, symbolizing the milestone he would’ve reached if it were not for his untimely death.
Likewise, a moment of silence was observed in his honor, and his name was read aloud.
The graduation ceremony wasn’t just a time of celebration; the school also created a safe space for collective mourning of those who would have been part of the ceremony if not for their demise.
Pasco Schools, the District School Board of Pasco County, shared pictures of the tributes given to Ethan and his deceased friends.
The post read, “Fivay High School remembers Ethan Daube at their graduation ceremony.“
Felicia Manness, Ethan Daube’s aunt, celebrated his graduation and expressed her appreciation for the school’s recognition of her nephew, writing:
This is my nephew that passed away this year so nice that his school recognized him we miss you so much e fly high love you always.
Ethan Daube’s Mother, Melissa A. Fifth, Finds Strength in Grief as She Honors Ethan’s Memory!
Melissa A. Fifth, Ethan’s mother, who hails from Egg Harbor City, New Jersey, recently, on May 29, 2025, shared a deep and emotional poem titled “No Storms Last Forever,” seeking her silver lining amid the ordeal.
The poem read:
No Storm Lasts Forever
Melissa
You don’t always notice it, but you’re stronger than you think. It’s in the way you wake up despite the exhaustion.
It’s in the way you smile even when your heart aches.
It’s in the way you keep showing up,
Even when the world gives you every reason to hide.
Strength isn’t always loud.
It’s not always about standing tall,
Or moving mountains, or winning battles.
Sometimes, strength is soft.
Sometimes, it’s just the decision to try again,
To believe that better days are coming,
Even when you can’t see them yet.
So don’t doubt yourself.
You have survived every hard day, every heartbreak,
Every moment that felt impossible.
And you are still here.
Still standing.
Still fighting.
That is strength.
And it’s already within you.
On January 19, 2025, she poured her raw emotions via a Facebook status, writing:
My world has just been totally torn apart forever. I Love you so much Ethan and my world will never be the same without you in it My Baby Boy 💔💔 😭😭😭
Amid the grief, she shared a picture of her two sons, holding Ethan close in her cherished memories while keeping another son, Chris, close, reassuring him that she will always be there for him.
My 2 boys ❤️
Melissa A Fifth
Love you Christopher Chris Selig Jr. always and forever..
R.I.P My sweet Boy Ethan Love and Miss you always.
“I’m so sorry for your loss, Melissa 🫶May cherished memories of Ethan bring you comfort and peace,” a comment read in the comment.
Likewise, Melissa also shared a photo of Ethan, which received an outpouring of condolences from many.
One comment read, “Such a handsome young man. Gone to soon. May he rest in peace.”
As the family processes the grief, we offer our sincere condolences to Ethan’s parents, brother, friends, and extended family.
Rest In Heavenly Peace, Ethan Daube!
