Furness High mourns a student

Students at Furness High School in South Philadelphia yesterday mourned the death of a popular senior who collapsed while participating in a charity run Sunday morning.

Alvin Way, 19, had completed a 5-kilometer run in the "Dash for Organ and Tissue Donor Awareness" when he collapsed shortly after crossing the finish line near the Philadelphia Museum of Art, officials said. Way was taken to Hahnemann University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Medical Examiner's Office spokesman Jeff Moran said last night that a cause of death was not available.

Senior Erica Pepe, 18, heard about Way's death after arriving yesterday at the high school, at Third and Mifflin Streets.

"I was new to school this year, and he was my first friend," Pepe said, tears in her eyes. "He was very caring, hard-working, and an honor student."

Howard M. Nathan, president and chief executive of the Gift of Life Donor Program, issued a statement saying the organization was deeply saddened to learn of Way's death.

Way participated in the run last year and became involved through Patty Nelson, the high school's business administrator.

"Alvin was one of the main students who reached out to me after my son passed away and offered to get involved," Nelson said. Her 26-year-old son, David, died in 2006 of a brain aneurysm. His organs were successfully transplanted into eight people.

Way "was an absolute gentleman and was so gracious," Nelson said. "We are all struggling. The staff, the students - we all knew him. He was always there and always willing to help. It was devastating for me and my family."

About 60 students and 20 staff members from Furness participated in the charity event, which also included a 3K walk and a 10K run, officials said.

Comprehensive High Region Superintendent Michael Silverman said counselors and psychologists were being provided for students.

"It's like a family here," Silverman said. "Teachers are going up to students and comforting them. Everyone has been saying, this is the nicest kid they have ever met."

He said student participation in charity and community events was "part of the fabric of the school."

"My heart goes out to the family," Silverman said.

Edward Solecki, 51, lives directly across from Furness and tied black ribbons on the entrance doors of the school to remind students of their deceased classmate.

"It's devastating," Solecki said. "I have been crying all morning. You hear so many negative things today, and here a young person is doing a positive thing and passes away."

Senior Jackie Tran, 17, said he was shocked at the news of Way's death.

"I couldn't believe it until I saw what happened on the news," Tran said. "I think the school should get something together to help his family."

He said Way had a big group of friends.

"He was a great kid," Tran said. "Everybody was friendly with him and he was friendly to everybody."