Photo credit: Instagram/thegazette.ia
Ahmed Osman, a 10-year-old fifth-grade student from Iowa City, was remembered Thursday as a kind, energetic child who loved soccer, music and spending time with friends. Hundreds of people gathered at the Pheasant Ridge Neighborhood Center to honor him after he died during a school field trip at the MacBride Nature Recreation Area.
The vigil also honored Hannah Jorgensen, a 24-year-old fifth-grade teacher at Borlaug Elementary who died during the same incident. Authorities recovered Jorgensen on Sept. 22 and found Ahmed the following afternoon after an extensive search of the water. The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office said the circumstances remain under investigation.
Ahmed remembered for soccer, kindness and community
Family members described Ahmed as a bright and active child who excelled in math, was learning the trombone and spent much of his free time playing soccer. His father, Mohamed Osman, said coaches believed his son had the potential to represent the United States in soccer one day.
Friends at the vigil remembered him in much the same way. Mustata Eltoum, Ahmed’s 11-year-old best friend and classmate, wore a shirt Ahmed had given him for his birthday. He recalled their friendship and the time they spent playing soccer together.
Ahmed was also closely connected to Iowa City’s Sudanese community. Speakers at the vigil described the community’s support for his family and said his loss had affected people well beyond those who knew him personally.
The gathering included candles, photographs and memories of Ahmed. His mother, Hagir Malik, was seen embracing members of the community as classmates and friends mourned.
Ahmed’s father also expressed gratitude to the Sudanese community, the Sudanese Iowans Soccer Club, the Pheasant Ridge Neighborhood Center and the emergency responders involved in the search.
View this post on Instagram
A teacher remembered alongside Ahmed
Jorgensen was remembered as a dedicated educator who cared deeply about her students. Before joining Borlaug Elementary, she worked as a paraeducator at Garner Elementary while completing her practicum and student teaching.
Dave Adams, who substitute taught with Jorgensen, recalled how students regularly approached her and how comfortable they appeared around her.
At the vigil, Ahmed’s family also recognized Jorgensen. His father described her as a hero who had tried to save his son.
The Iowa City Community School District has made counselors and additional support available to students and staff following the deaths. The district has described both Ahmed and Jorgensen as valued members of its school community.
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate what happened at the MacBride Nature Recreation Area. No further details about the circumstances have been released by authorities.
About the Author
