Mason William Stringer, 7, a second-grader at Gardner Elementary School who loved baseball, Legos, and the color yellow, died unexpectedly on Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2025, at Hasbro Children’s Hospital.
Family members said complications from previously undetected acute lymphoblastic leukemia took his life while he was surrounded by loved ones.
Justin Jeffers, who coached Mason last baseball season, captured what many in the community are feeling.
“I had the privilege to coach Mason last baseball season and he truly was a great kid. A great listener, great teammate and good little ball player. He truly will be missed. Rest in peace buddy,” Jeffers wrote.
That first-hand memory of Mason on the field is exactly what parents, coaches, and classmates keep returning to: a bright, active kid who made the people around him better.
Absolute Heartbreak for Family and a Broader Community
Mason was the beloved son of Jonathan P. and Sheridan A. (Denert) Stringer and the little brother of Cameron Stringer.
He lived for simple, joyful things: baseball, soccer, basketball, and weekly swim lessons; building with Legos and Magna-Tiles; playing with dinosaurs and Hot Wheels; creating Minecraft worlds with his brother; and stuffing his pockets with dandelions for his mother.
The family noted he loved trampolines, arcade claw machines, the beach, cheeseburgers, and his “stuffies.”
Last year, he went on his first trip to Disney World, a memory the family treasures.
News of Mason’s death landed hard across Swansea. Superintendent Scott Holcomb sent a letter to families and staff on Jan. 2, saying, “It is with heavy hearts that we share the heartbreaking news of the unexpected death of one of our students.”
Holcomb urged the community to hold Mason’s family, friends, classmates, and teachers “close in our thoughts and hearts during this time of profound loss.”
Gardner and Elizabeth S. Brown Elementary Schools are offering grief counseling and support when students return to class.
School counselors, adjustment counselors, and other trained professionals will be on hand to “offer care, comfort, and a listening ear to any student or staff member in need,” Holcomb wrote.
He also provided families with age-appropriate resources for talking with children about death and grief, including Good Grief, the National Alliance for Children’s Grief, and Sesame Street in Communities.
The district asked for privacy for the Stringer family while they grieve and reminded parents that follow-up questions from children are normal.
Condolences poured in online from neighbors, coaches, and parents. Racheal Elmetto wrote that she could not imagine the family’s pain and sent prayers. She wrote, “
“I just received the emails from the schools notifying families of this devastating loss. I cannot even begin to imagine what this family is going through. To the Stringer Family… our hearts are with you. Our prayers are heading your way. May you find even a shred of peace during this heartbreaking time. Our deepest condolences to all family and friends of this young soul.”
As an educator and coach, William Joseph said losing a student is one of his greatest fears and offered prayers for everyone touched by Mason’s life.
Susan Levesque Tremblay wrote, “Rest in peace, Mason. My heart goes out to his family and friends.”
Luce Murphy called it “a tragedy” and said, “May his memory be a blessing.” The steady stream of messages underlined how many people Mason had quietly affected.
Donna Webser wrote, “My heart goes out to Mason’s family and friends during this difficult time.”
Kathi Harvey also added in pain, “Heartbreaking!!! rip young boy. My condolences to his family. I could not handle the death of a child. My mom lost her daughter many, many yrs ago god rest my sister’s soul. My mom and dad are now with her.”
Lindsey Jacobs added, “My thoughts are with the family and friends. What a tragedy no parent should ever have to deal with this im so very sorry for the loss of your child.”
Local memories emphasize that Mason was more than a smiling face. Coaches and teammates remember a player who listened and learned.
Classmates and neighbors remember a child who could brighten a room.
Friends of the family pointed out that Mason’s curiosity about nature and animals, and his habit of bringing small treasures home for his mother, were signs of a thoughtful, engaged boy who loved to explore.
A Parent wrote, “My son was so upset when he found out. He was in his class last year. Prayers for all his family & friends. RIP Mason.”
The family has set a visitation for Saturday, Feb. 7, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at the Waring-Sullivan Home at Birchcrest, 189 Gardner’s Neck Road in Swansea.
The family asked that, instead of flowers, donations be made to The Tomorrow Fund, a charity that supports children with cancer and their families.
The steady offers of help matter in a small town where personal connections run deep.
